Page 222 - Japanese Art Nov 9 2017 London

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THREE SMALL INLAID-BRONZE VASES TWO BRONZE OKIMONO OF ELEPHANTS
Two made for the Kuroda workshop of Kyoto, One by Atsuyoshi for the Maruki Company and one by Masamitsu,
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
Each worked in flat inlay of silver, gold and shakudo, the first two Each naturalistically modelled, the larger elephant shown walking with
comprising a pair and forming a mirror image of the other, each its head slightly turned and trunk curving to one side, the tusks of
decorated with three tanchozuru (red-crested cranes) foraging for carved ivory, signed on its belly Masamitsu in a rectangular cartouche,
food beside reeds, the shoulders of both vases applied with two 21cm x 31.5cm (8¼in x 12 3/8in), with separate wood stand, 2.5cm
elaborate bracket handles, each signed on the base with chiselled x 28cm (1in x 11in); the smaller mammal similarly cast running with its
signature Kyoto Kuroda zo 京都黒田造, each vase 12.2cm (5in) high; trunk raised, stamped beneath one foot with three seals respectively
the third a baluster vase similarly decorated with three cranes wading Atsuyoshi saku, Toku and Maruki shachu sei,
in a stream beside tall stems of reeds, unsigned; 16cm x 40cm (6¼in x 15¾in). (3).
12.3cm (5in) high. (3).
£1,000 - 1,500
£1,000 - 1,500 JPY150,000 - 220,000
JPY150,000 - 220,000 US$1,300 - 2,000
US$1,300 - 2,000

The Kuroda workshop was one of the more highly esteemed
businesses in Kyoto, commissioning many talented craftsmen who are
recorded as having won numerous medals at international expositions.

220 | BONHAMS 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.