Page 245 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

251 | A VERY LARGE AND SUPERB
IVORY AND SHIBAYAMA VASE
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The baluster-shaped vase is of an exceptional size, reaching 73.5
cm (!). The body is carved from wood and applied with hundreds
of miniature ivory plates, simulating a basket weave pattern. The
vase stands on a flared octagonal foot with eight panels decorated
with fine Shibayama-inlays depicting various flowers. The bulbous
body is inlaid with eight large oblong reserves with extremely
fine carving, partially in high relief, depicting various religious and
legendary scenes including: Benkei holding the temple bell of
Midera, a repentant oni being scared by a dog, Daikoku climbing a
ladder and shaving Fukurokuju’s head, various images of samurai
and bijin and another repentant oni behind a finely carved image of
the Kamakura Daibutsu. The transition from the body to the neck
is adorned with fine Shibayama-inlays. Lastly, the neck is decorated
with a circumferential band formed by inset ivory plaques and
further decorated with Shibayama-inlays depicting birds and
flowers. The rim and inside of the neck are lined in thick silver.
HEIGHT 73.5 cm

Condition: Minor scattered losses to Shibayama inlays, generally in
very good condition.
Provenance: Austrian private estate, Vienna.
Estimate EUR 10,000
Starting price EUR 5,000

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