As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this outstanding example of Meiji period 1868-1912 Kaga school metalwork, this large scale high quality lidded vase on stand superbly demonstrates the various metalwork techniques carried out by the craftsmen of the mid Meiji period circa 1890, and in particular flush metal inlaid work, the main body of the baluster form vase depicts a pheasant and hen perched upon a prunus blossom tree, the birds and floral decoration heavily onlaid and carved from numerous alloys , predominantly gold, silver, shakudo and shibuichi, the reverse of the main body depicts a bird in flight amidst trailing flora, the huge body rests upon and swivels 360 degrees inside its base, the two tier base is joined with five elephant mask supports, and is itself a masterclass in mixed metal inlays, with five different geometric diaper honeycomb style patterns to the lower section alone, further stylized decoration to the upper curved section and gold inlaid Greek key banding to both of the borders, the neck and handles are also exquisitely and painstakingly inlaid with various gold and silver geometric patterns and stylized decoration, once again finished with an inlaid gold Greek key border, the highly decorative mixed metal inlaid lid is surmounted by a large eagle pinning down a monkey, a staggering quality highly decorative and imposing vase displaying the finest skills of the former sword fitting makers of the mid Meiji period.
Literature :
Although unsigned, we can firmly attribute this vase to the Ikeda Gomei Company, an almost identical vase ( possibly its pair ) can be found in “Barry Davies Oriental Art” Masterpieces of Meiji Metalwork, 1991 exhibition catalogue plate 7.
Provenance:
Formerly in a USA collection for many years then supplied by ourselves to a UK Japanese works of art collection .
Now available as part of that entire collection purchased from the executors to the estate .
Condition report:
Superb condition throughout.
Approximate sizes:
Height: 25″ 63.5 cm
Width: 12″ 30.5 cm
Depth: 101/4″ 26 cm
Weight: A hefty 17.3 kgs
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.