As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this scarce Meiji Period ( 1868-1912) silver and enamel vase, fully artist signed by the highly regarded artist Hiratsuka Mohei. This sumptuous quality vessel is instantly recognisable as a work of art from the higher echelons of the group of Meiji Period artists who were producing numerous wares of this type. The gold wired decoration of a vibrant Ho-o bird amidst paulownia and striking blue enamel Shi-shi dog against peonies are just two of the stand out features that seperate this vase from the more ordinary examples. Intricate silver wirework suspends each of these main panels into the heavy silver globular body, this main body stands upon a sturdy silver trefoil footrim and gives rise to a tall tapered flaring neck surmounted with a pair of enamel decorated handles. Clearly, as stated, the main features of the vase are the extarordinary gold wired translucent enamel panels of the vibrant blue Shishi dog and the multi coloured Ho-o bird (Phoenix), however, the remainder of the silver vessel is also interspersed with very fine enamel decoration throughout. The underside bears the oval artist seal of Hiratsuka Mohei, a very rare larger sized example of this highly skilled artists work.
Literature :
The Khalili collections, Metalwork I – plates 61 and 62 feature two koro, each of which house panels representing the exact subject matter as this silver vase.
It is recorded that Hiratsuka likely utilised his enamel skills for the highly regarded Ozeki Sadajiro, indeed winning a prize at the First National Industrial Exposition in conjunction with Ozeki. Another koro by Hiratsuka is recorded in the Tomkinson collections at plate 203. The little known artist is recorded as being born in 1836 and worked as a tsuba maker who excelled at enamel techniques, though his exact dates remain unclear.
Condition report :
Very good condition throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Height : 9 1/4″ 23.5 cm
Width : 4 3/4″ 12 cm
Depth : 4 3/4″ 12 cm
Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certifcate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.