Page 133 - Japanese Art September 2017 New York

1315 ¤
MYOCHIN MUNETSUGU (ACTIVE CIRCA
1900)
An iron articulated model of a spiny lobster
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
Assembled from iron sheets hammered and
carved on the surface, the tail, legs and
antennae all fully articulated, signed on the
underside Munetsugu
16 1/2in (42cm) long, when extended

US$1,000 - 1,500
1316
MIYAO WORKSHOP
A pair of bronze models of quails
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
One shown looking to the left, the other
shown preening its feathers, each with gilt
and shakudo eyes, sealed on the underside
Miyao
With a later wood stand
5 1/4in (13.3cm) wide (the largest)
1315
US$1,800 - 2,500
1317
A BRONZE MODEL OF QUAIL
Taisho era (1912-1926)
Cast and carved as two quail with gilt
highlights standing on a fitted bronze base
with blossoming foliage in gilt metal, with a
fitted lacquer stand
With wood tomobako storage box inscribed
Kinzokusei uzura okimono daitsuki Taisho
shichinen nigatsu nijuhachinichi Hayama
Goyotei omairi no toki Kogogu yori gohairyo
(Metal okimono of quails with base, humbly
received from the Empress on the occasion
of a visit to Hayama Imperial Villa on February
28 1918) and Showa jurokunen nigatsu
nijuhachinichi Hi Masako Naishinno goihin
to shite . . .tomoe shirushi (Received from
the effects of Imperial Princess Masako on
February 28 1941, comma mark)
12 7/8in (32.8cm) wide 1316

US$4,000 - 6,000

Located on the east coast of Sagami Bay
in the Miura Peninsula, the Hayama Imperial
Villa, mentioned in the box inscription, was
a favorite residence of the Taisho Emperor,
who died there in 1926. The Imperial family
traditionally used the villa during the low
season for tourism, in February and March.
The villa burned down in 1971. Princess
Masako (1888-1940), was the sixth daughter
of the Meiji Emperor. She was famous for
her charitable work, especially for wounded
soldiers of the imperial army.

1317

FINE JAPANESE ART | 131