As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this late Meiji period (1868-1912) early Taisho period (1912-1926) pure silver and mixed metal lidded box by the highly regarded artist Sekiguchi Shinya, his art name Chitokusai. This delightful box is manufactured from pure silver and stands upon bracket feet, the shibuichi and mixed metal top is most unusually decorated with Japanese marine life including seaweed, shells, molluscs, starfish and a hermit crab. A simple yet poignant snapshot of everyday staple foods that surrounded these shores, now brilliantly portrayed by an artist that would have likely enjoyed some of these seafoods in his diet. The lid bears an inscription that reads Shinya Koku (carved by Shinya) as well as sealed Shinya. A most charming box manufactured by a highly regarded and well recorded artist of the Meiji/ Taisho period.
Literature :
Sekiguchi Shinya was born in Tokyo as the son of the celebrated metalworker Sekiguchi Ichiya, who himself was under the tutelage of Goto Ichijo (1791-1876), he worked alongside his father from the age of 14 and first exhibited in 1895 at the fourth Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai (National Industrial Exposition) aged just 18. His works are also recorded in the catalogues of the 1900 Paris Exhibition, and of the fifth National Industrial Exposition (1903).
Provenance :
Japanese gentlemans collection.
Previously exhibited at the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum, Kyoto.
Condition report :
Fine condition throughout.
Approximate Sizes :
Width : 5 1/2″ 14 cm
Depth : 4 3/8″ 11 cm
Height : 1 3/4″ 4.5 cm
Weight : 736 gms 23.6 oz
Free fully insured worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.