Page 35 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

24 | KOSEN: A SILVER AND GOLD MODEL OF A HIGAKI KAISEN
By Kosen, signed Kosen saku
Japan, dated 1876, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The ship shows extremely fine detail with the mast, the ropes, the sail, stern and
bow, the rudder and the hull executed in minute detail, neatly chiseled and incised,
the highlights picked out in gold. With a commemorative inscription and dated early
spring of 1876 and signed KOSEN, a known Meiji artist who worked in silver.

HEIGHT 29.5 cm, LENGTH 35 cm
WEIGHT 2063.2 grams (total)
Condition: Excellent condition with some wear and tiny scratches only. The base
with extensive traces of use.
Provenance: From an English private estate.
Higaki Kaisen were a type of coastal transport ships during the Edo period, which
traveled regularly between Edo and Osaka, carrying passengers as well as cotton,
oil, paper, and other basic goods. The name refers to the diamond-shaped (hishi)
pattern of lattices (gaki) on the side of the ship (kaisen).
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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