As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this magnificent quality Meiji Period 1868-1912, lidded vase undoubtedly manufactured by the highly regarded and well recorded artist Kajima Ikkoku II (1846-1925) . The large and imposing lidded vessel is predominately decorated with mixed metal doves in foliage onlaid upon the main central bronze body, the decoration includes silver, shibuichi and gold among other alloys, the stylish shaped base and neck of the vessel sensationally damascened in two colour gold nunomezogan work detailing swags of native flora, the neck rim and extravagant side handles further damascened in a geometric diaper border, the lid of the vase continues the theme of a matching geometric border beneath further sensational quality two colour gold damascened floral displays, and finally the lid surmounted by a studious mixed metal hawk surveying the scene , a breathtaking Japanese mixed metal work from a highly acclaimed family of makers .
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 as well as his work being recorded as commissions for other famous Tokyo companies such as Tekkodo.
Whilst this particular vase lacks its signature seal, it is in my opinion without doubt 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 geometric 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 vase, and Kajima Ikkoku II would have been the lead artist at the time this was manufactured circa 1890.
For another smaller example of this type of ware see the Nasser D Khalili collections, Meiji No Takara, Metalwork part 1, plate 40 , in this instance Kajima Ikkoku II has collaborated with the Tekkodo Company , note the nunomezogan diaper pattern in the main panel closely matching the geometric borders on our vase.
Provenance :
USA Collection.
Condition report :
Fine condition throughout .
Approximate Sizes :
Height : 17″ 43 cm
Width : 10″ 25.5 cm
Depth : 8″ 20.2 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item