As part of our Japanese works of art exhibition we are delighted to offer this large mid Meiji Period (1868-1912) bronze and mixed metal incense burner ( Koro), stemming from the Takaoka school of artists during the 1870/80’s period of production. The Takaoka school metalworkers were based in Ishikawa Prefecture excelling in the inlaid techniques of Iro-e takazogan & Honzogan ( high and low relief). This handsome globular koro rises from three slender legs terminating as mythical beasts each providing support to the sumptuously decorated vessel, the bowl of which has been lavishly worked with opposing pairs of stylized birds predominantly formed from shibuichi minutely inlaid with gold scale decoration to an exceptional standard, other alloys including gold, silver and copper are used to continue the stylised decoration surrounding the main theme. Unusually there is the added element of abalone shell, used not only as decorative fish scale panels but also as the mythical birds claws, we have only ever seen this type of decoration used once before on a similar Takaoka school koro, this most unusual characteristic allows us to firmly attribute the piece to one specific artist or school of artists ( see literature) . The shoulders and neck rim of the koro are painstakingly flush inlaid in mixed alloys above which rests the domed cover, the cover is further decorated in relief with a gold and silver conforming border and most unusually features a Buddha as its finial, the Buddha rests meditating in a pose known as Amithabha Buddha, simply meaning boundless light. This magnificent incense burner is quite simply a “tour de force” of mixed metalwork from the highly skilled artisans of the Takaoka school.
SSJA Autumn 2024 Exhibition Catalogue, Plate 10.
Literature :
As highlighted in the description the most unusual feature of this mixed metal koro is the fact the artist has used abalone shell within the decoration, including the claws of the mythical birds feet.
Extensive research has led us to a very similar style of koro manufactured by an artist known as Sansaemon Yoshimasa (1851-1895 ), that particular koro was Lot 732 of the Sothebys London Japanese Works of art sale, June 1989, it was 67 cm in height and sold for a premium inclusive £88,000 at that time. It is evident that not only is the subject matter to the rear also mythical birds, but those birds as well as the Foo dogs to the front elevation are also decorated with abalone shell claws, the body similarly decorated with abalone fish scale panels.It is therefore reasonable to assume that our Koro was manufactured by the same artist or artists at that time and place, as such I feel I can safely attribute this koro’s manufacture to Sansaemon Yoshimasa (1851-1895).
The artist is recorded in Takaoka Doji shi by Yoda Minoru and Takazuka Takeyoshi as having been awarded the Ohashi nai Koku haku ran kai (prizes) in 1877 & 1881. He also exhibited in Nurnburg 1885 and Chicago world fair of 1883.
Condition Report :
Fine condition throughout
Approximate sizes :
Height : 20″ 51 cm
Width : 10″ 25.5 cm
Depth : 8″ 20.5 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item. ep86