As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this very finely worked Meiji Period (1868-1912) mixed metal lidded box, that we confidently attribute to Kajima Ikkoku II. The large size square form bronze box stands upon four sumptuously decorated feet worked in the nunomezogan technique, with the use of multi coloured gold and silver alloys, the sides of the box are also finely decorated with butterflies in flight amidst native flora. The lid depicts a Sage or Ahrat resplendent in his gold cloak, he is seemingly floating on bamboo upon turbulent water, the scene bordered with seaweed type foliage within a sumptuous gilt band, the interior fully silver lined. A fascinating high quality piece of Japanese mixed metal that I feel confident to attribute to the workshops of Kajima Ikkoku II.
Literature :
Kajima Ikkoku II was originally known as Mitsutaka until the death of his father in 1882, when he inherited the name Kajima Ikkokusai, a Tokyo artist specialising in Nunomezogan in his own right , with his work being recorded as commissions for other famous Tokyo companies such as Tekkodo.
Whilst this particular box lacks its signature seal, it is in my opinion a product of the Ikkoku family of makers, a four generation family who’s works are well recorded across numerous well known collections as well as in historic auction records, very few company’s could manufacture this type of ware with such a highly skilled level of intricacy, particularly the use of damascened borders and inlays (nunomezogan). The well known Komai Company of Kyoto predominately worked upon iron as did the Tekkodo and Inoue company’s, aside from little known nunomezogan artists such as Kashima Ippu, there were really only the Ikkoku family skilled enough to manufacture this box, and Kajima Ikkoku II would have been the lead artist at the time this was manufactured circa 1890.
Condition report :
Fine condition throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Height : 2 1/8″ 5.3 cm
Width : 4 1/2″ 11.5 cm
Depth : 4 1/2″ 11.5 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.