Page 48 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

32 | KOMAI OTOJIRO: A SUPERB GOLD
AND SILVER INLAID IRON DISH
By Komai Otojiro of Kyoto, signed Nihon koku, Saikyo, Kyoto ju,
Komai sei DIAMETER 30 cm
Japan, Kyoto, early Meiji period (1868-1912) WEIGHT 1,338 g
Condition: Very good condition with expected surface wear and
The circular lobed dish raised on a circular foot rim and inlaid in some rust build-up.
typical Komai gold and silver inlay showing elaborate geometrical Provenance: British collection.
motifs arranged in concentric bands, the rim decorated with leafy
fruiting grape vines. The central circular panel is decorated in high AUCTION COMPARISON
relief with an image of Saigyo Hoshi absorbed in deep thoughts, his
expression is crafted masterfully. He wears an ornately decorated Compare with a very similar yet
robe with rich gold showing imperial crests and geometrical motifs. larger dish sold at Bonhams,
The central panel is surrounded by five further panels showing Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2019,
birds, butterflies and various flowers. Signed within a rectangular London, lot 208
reserve in silver Nihon koku, Saikyo, Kyoto ju, KOMAI sei [Made by (sold for 30,062 GBP).
Komai, Kyoto, Japan] Saikyo (Western Capital) was an alternative
name for Kyoto widely used during the early part of the Meiji Estimate EUR 15,000
period. Starting price EUR 7,500

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