Meiji Sterling Silver
MEIJI STYLE
From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.
Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.
Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.
The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.
Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.
Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Meiji
Japanese Meiji Period Sterling Silver 2 Handled Basket by Katsu Miyamoto
Located in Dallas, TX
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.
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Meiji sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji sterling silver made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Konoike, and Miyamoto Shoko. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,000 and tops out at $45,007 while the average work can sell for $12,000.
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