Page 157 - Bonhams Japanese art nov 7 2024

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ATTRIBUTED TO THE KOMAI COMPANY OF KYOTO
An Inlaid Iron Cabinet Modelled as a Shrine
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
Worked throughout in typical Komai style of predominantly flat
gold overlay with extensive use of kebori (engraving) for the details,
constructed on two separate storeys raised on a stepped square base,
each storey constructed beneath a typically sloping flat roof fitted
with hinged doors concealing further drawers within, the upper roof
decorated with ho-o birds in flight bordered by half chrysanthemum
crests surmounted by a tall stupa with a tama-shaped knop, each
corner of the lower roof adorned with a suspended bell, decorated
with writhing dragons bordered by half chrysanthemum crests, the
exterior of the lower front doors decorated with Kiyomizu Temple
and the sides with thatched buildings in a landscape and different
kacho-ga (bird-and-flower scenes) including butterflies hovering over
irises, the top surface of the stepped base decorated with famous
places including Byodoin Temple, Gojunoto (Five-Storey Pagoda), and
Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, also fitted with two drawers, the
sides of the base with chidori (plovers) skimming over foaming waves,
the other narrow edges with repeated geometric motifs and fruiting
vine, the underside of silver; unsigned. 23.5cm x 12cm (9¼in x 4¾in).

£12,000 - 18,000
JPY2,300,000 - 3,500,000
US$16,000 - 24,000
For another two comparative shrines of this quality and type, see
Oliver Impey and Malcolm Fairley, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of
Japanese Art, Vol.II, Metalwork Part I, London, Kibo Foundation,
1995, cat. nos.33 and 35. 262

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. SAMURAI · SNOW · SPECTACLE | 155