Page 42 - Bonhams Japanese art nov 7 2024

(details)
72

OTHER WORKS OF ART
Necklaces
(Lots 72-73)
72 *
AN IRON AND COPPER ROSARY
Edo period (1615-1868), 17th century
The tiny iron beads held together by an iron chain, attached at the
top with a small copper medallion enclosing the portrait of Christ
and at the bottom with a crucifix carved with the figure of Christ
above the sacred ‘IHS’ monogram of the Society of Jesus, fixed to a
cushion for display, in the original wood storage box inscribed on the 73
lid in katakana, Rozario (Rosary), followed by the Chinese characters
Junana-seiki (17th century). The box: 4.5cm x 23cm (1¾in x 9in). (2).
£3,500 - 4,000
JPY680,000 - 780,000
US$4,600 - 5,200
Provenance:
This rosary was stored in the Reihoku Kyodo Shiryokan (Museum
of Local Archive in Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, in Kumamoto
Prefecture) until its closure in 2016. For more information on the
museum in Japanese, see, jarsa.jp/museum/m5059/
Amakusa was once an early centre of Christianity where Japan’s
‘hidden Christians’ sought refuge and risked their lives to practice
their faith.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
40 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.