Japan 1890 Meiji Shibayama Round Urn In Gilded Wood And Sterling Silver
Shibayama urm from the Japan meiji (1858-1912) period.
Gorgeous piece of art, created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period, circa 1890. This is a little urn with a lid crafted in gilded wood, shibayama panels and sterling silver. Composed by a four footed round vase with two sterling silver handles in the shape of trees and the lid on top accented with the figure of a crab in sterling silver. The gilded wood is decorated with flowers, sea patterns and the imperial flower of chrysanthemums.
The Crab
Legend held that the crabs were the reincarnations of samurai slain at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 AD, a war over the Japanese imperial throne. These are said to be the spirits of the departed Tairas. Not surprising as they have a lot to scowl about. They lost absolutely everything including the sacred imperial sword.
Gemstones: Decorated with two panels mounted with intricate scenes in the shibayama technique with carvings of jade, carnelian, agate and nacre of different colors.
Weight: 113.95 Grams, (73.04 Dwt).
Measurements: 130.8 mm by 83 mm by 108 mm (5.15 x 3.27 x 4.25 Inches).
Hallmarks: Signed in the bottom with the maker's cartouche inside a circle.
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 colours 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, New York NY. Objets D'art Gallery, Kensington, MD.
Condition: The overall condition of this urn is perfect. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to any parts. All gemstones are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D031223ASNM/.1121
