SHIBAYAMA Meiji 1880 Imperial Japan Pair Of Lacquered-Gilded Vases With Carvings

Pair of Shibayama imperial vases from the Japan Meiji period (1858-1912) .

This is a gorgeous pair of vases created in the Meiji period during the imperial Japan, back the the late 19th century. The vases are magnificent with very unusual tulips shape and very rare to see as a pair. They were masterfully crafted in gilded, silvered and lacquered wood, with rich Shibayama panels and intricate applications of inlaid carvings. They are exceptional quality and great condition with no missing parts.

Materials: Wood, gilt, silver, gold, carved nacre, carved abalone, carved agates, carved coral, black lacquer and red lacquer.

Gemstones: Decorated with two panels mounted with intricate scenes in the shibayama technique with carvings of jade, carnelian, agate, corals and nacre of different colors.

Techniques: Shibayama; Maki-e and Ramae.

Weight: The pair together is 920.95 Grams, (0.93 Kg).

Measurements: Each one is 255 mm by 185 mm by 159 mm (10.05 x 7.3 x 6.25 Inches).

Shibayama

The art form known as shibayama is named after the Shibayama area of present-day Chiba prefecture. The shibayama technique was created by Ōnoki Senzō, an Edo haberdasher who lived during the An’ei era (1772–1781). His style of inlaying became so popular that he named works done with the inlay technique after his hometown of Shibayama and later also adopted this name as his surname. Shibayama refers to the intricate carving and minute encrustation of various materials on to a ground material. The inlay typically consists of mother-of-pearl, ivory, tortoiseshell and coral, the combination creating a delightful contrast of colors and textures.

Meiji period

Is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Provenance: The Flying Cranes gallery, 1998 New York NY. Objets D'art Gallery, Kensington, MD.

Condition: The overall condition of these Japanese Shibayama vases are perfect. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to any parts. All parts are secured in the settings. This vases were carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D083025CANM/.7843