Solomon Treasure Metalwork

A Grand Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Tray – Lush Cherry Blossom Garden with Sparrows, Quail, and Japanese Fountain, Circa 1890 This monumental exhibition-size Meiji period Japane...

A Monumental Gilt-Lacquered Bronze Ornamental Buddha Sculpture of Vajravidarana: A Masterpiece of Sino-Tibetan Craftsmanship, Late 19th Century, Qing Dynasty This monumental gilt-lacquered bronze ornamental sculpture of Vajravidarana is an extraordinary and commanding piece of art, showcasing the pinnacle of Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The figure of Vajravidarana, a powerful purification deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is meticulously sculpted to embody both spiritual authority and artistic excellence. Vajravidarana is primarily known for his role in removing spiritual impurities and negativities. Unlike other deities associated with wisdom or compassion, Vajravidarana’s function is centered on purification and healing. He is typically depicted holding a vajra and a bell, symbolizing the cutting away of delusions and the resonance of divine truth. In this striking sculpture, Vajravidarana is shown holding a vishva vajra (the double vajra), a unique and powerful variation of the traditional iconography, which signifies ultimate protection and the dispelling of negative karma. Vajravidarana: The Supreme Purifier and Protector Vajravidarana is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the deity of spiritual purification, called upon to cleanse practitioners of defilements and negative influences. His vajra represents the indestructibility of truth, while his bell signifies the wisdom that resonates through purification rituals. In this sculpture, the presence of the vishva vajra, or double vajra, enhances his association with supreme protection, ensuring the destruction of all spiritual obstacles and afflictions. The figure’s powerful yet composed expression conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and divine authority. His posture, along with the carefully sculpted details of his robes and ornaments, highlights his function as a guardian against impurity. The inclusion of the vishva vajra rather than the usual single vajra reinforces his role as a supreme protector, capable of dispelling all forms of negativity and restoring balance. Symbolism of the Mantras and Aureole: Unlike deities that embody wisdom through duality, Vajravidarana’s iconography is centered on purification and exorcism. The aureole surrounding him is inscribed with sacred purification mantras rather than depictions of a consort. These mantras emphasize his function as a remover of obstacles and impurities, reinforcing his role in Buddhist healing rituals. The presence of the sacred inscriptions elevates the sculpture’s spiritual significance, making it a focal point for meditation and ritual purification. Practitioners often visualize Vajravidarana radiating purifying light, dissolving afflictions and negative karma. This theme is mirrored in the sculptural repetition of the purification symbols on the aureole, reinforcing the deity’s role as a divine cleanser. Gilt-Lacquered Bronze: The Artistry of Sino-Tibetan Metalwork: The craftsmanship of this monumental figure reflects the expertise of late 19th-century Sino-Tibetan metalwork, where traditional Tibetan themes were infused with Chinese artistic sensibilities. Cast in bronze and finished with a rich gilt lacquer, the statue has an otherworldly glow, giving it an ethereal, almost divine presence. The gilding process—applied with exceptional skill—gives the sculpture a striking luminosity that enhances the fine details of the facial features, flowing robes, jewelry, and other elements of the deity’s attire. The technique employed to create this figure speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that flourished during the late Qing Dynasty and early modern Tibetan art. The ornate details of the robes and the fine texture of the sculpture highlight the exceptional skill of the artisans who brought this work to life. The use of gold and lacquer not only reflects the preciousness of the sculpture but also its spiritual significance as an object meant to inspire reverence and meditation. An Ornamental Sculpture of Monumental Scale: Unlike smaller devotional objects, this sculpture is designed as an ornamental masterpiece, intended to make a grand visual and spiritual statement. Its monumental size allows it to dominate any space, offering a commanding presence that is both physically and symbolically impressive. In Buddhist practice, large sculptures of this nature are often placed in temples or meditation halls, where their imposing size and serene presence would encourage contemplation and devotion. The grand scale of the statue further amplifies the spiritual power it is meant to convey. As a representation of Vajravidarana, it is not only a physical object of beauty but also a conduit for meditation, purification, and enlightenment. The scale of the sculpture also emphasizes the divine stature of the deity, highlighting his importance in the Buddhist tradition as the ultimate force for spiritual cleansing and protection. Provenance: Acquired in China in circa 1900 1905 Private Buddhist Temple, Northeast, USA Private Sale Solomon Treasure...

Meiji Masterpiece attributed to Ando Jubei: A Maroon Cloisonné Vase with Dragons & Phoenix, circa 1895 This monumental Meiji period Japanese cloisonné vase, attributed to the esteem...

An Exquisite and Large Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Plates with Tsuba Fittings and Nature Scenes, circa 1885 This exquisite pair of large Meiji period Japanese clo...

An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms, Attributed to Hayashi, Meiji Period. Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of the Meiji period wit...

A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese cloisonne enamel vases attributed to Goto Seizaburo, 19th century. These vases were made during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan and are characterized by their blue enamel background with intricate designs of flowers, birds (including pigeons), butterflies and landscapes. The use of blue enamel as a background creates a striking contrast with the colorful designs, making these vases particularly visually appealing which are appreciated for their beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Goto Seizaburo (1852-1914) was a renowned Japanese cloisonne enamel artist...

A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases, 19th century. Japanese cloisonne enamel dragon vases are highly ...

A large pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel vases attributed to Honda Yasaburo, 19th century. Finley decorated with the rich enamel colors of orange and green, these vases are desig...

A Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi, Edo Period, 19th century Japanese cloisonne lanterns were made during the Meiji period, from the late 19th to early 20th century, and were often used as decorative lighting fixtures in temples and shrines. Kaji Tsunekichi (1866-1916) was a Japanese cloisonné artist who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Tokyo and learned the art of cloisonné from his father, Kaji Sataro, who was also a cloisonné artist. He was renowned for his mastery of the shippo-yaki technique, which involves creating intricate designs with thin wires on a metal base before filling in the spaces with enamel. Tsunekichi was known for his exceptional technical skills and his ability to create intricate designs with vibrant colors. His works often featured nature motifs, such as flowers, birds, and fish, which were rendered in a highly detailed and naturalistic style. He also experimented with new techniques, such as plique-à-jour, a type of cloisonné that creates a stained-glass effect. Tsunekichi's works were highly prized during his lifetime and continue to be sought after by collectors today. He won numerous awards for his cloisonné creations, including a Gold Medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. His works are characterized by their fine wirework, precise enamel application, and attention to detail. Some of Tsunekichi's most famous works include a pair of large cloisonné vases...