Meiji Period Japanese Woven Copper and Lacquer Basket

A rare Japanese bark tree large cloisonné box on metal from the Meiji period. Usually bark tree cloisonné was on porcelain (totai Shippo) A very attracti...

Japanese Head Bucket (Kubi-Oke), Lacquer, Meiji period. The head bucket was used for storing and transporting severed heads. During the Samurai era cla...

PRESENTING a GORGEOUS, VERY HIGH QUALITY and EXTREMELY RARE piece of Japanese Meiji Period Sterling Silver 2 Handled Basket by Katsu Miyamoto. EXQUISITE, EXCEPTIONAL, RARE & IMPORTANT! This is definitely a Meiji Period piece due to the fact that it is marked with the sterling silver mark “jungin”. The Meiji period was from 1868 to 1912 and in 1928 a law was introduced in Japan compelling the use of decimal marks for silver. This pre-dates that decimalization law. We are of the opinion that it is from circa 1900. Miyamoto Shoko was founded in 1880 as the first silverware specialty shop. In 1899, Miyamoto Shoko’s silverwares were ordered by the family members of the Emperor of Japan, and to this day, they are making fine and graceful handicrafts with skillful craftsmen. Loved by numerous customers since the Meiji era, Miyamoto Shoko’s products have also been given to Princess Mako and Princess Kako of Akishino, as well as Princess Aiko Toshinomiya, on their birthdays. Katsu Miyamoto (宮本勝), in 1880, in order to increase the sales of tobacco and cigarettes to foreigners founded the Moyamoto Shoko company, which produced different silverwares in general and particularly silver cigarette cases. Miyamoto’s first name, Katsu (勝) in some sources is written as “Masaru”, since 勝 kanji can be pronounced in both ways. This basket is of the HIGHEST QUALITY imaginable! The top of the basket has the MOST GORGEOUS repousse work of flowers, probably lotus flowers, with leaves and foliage. It has an underlying chevron effect chasing, reflecting parquetry. The 2 handles are cast in the form of bamboo handles. The rim of the top likewise is cast as bamboo. The base is equally stunning in a different way! It is chased with a chevron effect, like parquetry flooring and the four feet simulate pieces of sliced bamboo with an interlinking gallery of support columns, likewise, simulating bamboo. The QUALITY of WORKMANSHIP is OUTSTANDING! The pieces weighs exactly 525 grams. This piece takes my breath away! This is one for the SERIOUS COLLECTOR of EXQUISITE AND RARE Japanese silver. You will not find another like it, for sale ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD …… I know as I have searched! Provenance: Acquired from a Dallas Private Collector. Dimensions: 9.6 inches wide, 7.6 inches deep and 2.75 inches tall ( 7.25 inches tall with handles up) Condition: Very good. It looks like the base 4 legged gallery, has been repaired/re-attached to the base, but otherwise it is excellent and of Museum quality. The Meiji period (明治時代 Meiji-jidai?), also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from October 23, 1868 through July 30, 1912.[1] This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan during which Japanese society moved from being an isolated feudal society to its modern form. Fundamental changes affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded with the reign of Emperor Meiji after 1868, and lasted until his death in 1912. It was succeeded by the Taishō period upon the accession of Emperor Taishō to the throne. Solid silver pieces...

An exquisite pair of Japanese mixed metal bronze hibachi with idyllic landscape scenes, Meiji period (1868-1912), late 19th or early 20th century, Japan. The hibachi of generous proportions, with a high, slightly splayed foot, a short, narrow waist, and a large and wide cylindrical body. The body decorated in the mixed metal technique. The bronze carved and set with inlays of copper and silver to create wonderful landscape scenes. A pair of animal mask handles to the sides. Each hibachi with a cast signature reading ?? (Toyomi?) to the underside. One side of each hibachi depicting an evening scene, with scholars walking about a mountain retreat, replete with a waterfall, pavilions, pagodas, and pine trees, all shimmering under a full moon. The other side of the hibachi depicting a daytime scene, with a view of similar pavilions, pagoda, and pine, though with boats also visible in the distance. Copper inlay has been used for the roofs and the trunks of the pine trees. Silver inlay has been used for the pine needles, scholars, building supports, water, boats, moon, as well as the distant mountains. Originally used as a simple and elegant space heater...