Page 227 - Japanese Art Nov 9 2017 London

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A TALL INLAID-BRONZE CYLINDRICAL VASE
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
Carved in varying degrees of relief with an overall fantastical and
dramatic scene, depicting Susano-o standing with his feet apart on
craggy rocks, about to draw his sword to slay a dragon emerging from
the spumy waves embellished here and there with silver dewdrops,
Princess Kushiinada in court dress behind him, kneeling on a wood raft
in front of a row of seven boiling cauldrons of sake, holding a branch of
maple and paying obeisance, the inside with a removable hammered
bronze liner, unsigned; with a wood storage box.
36.5cm (14 5/16in) high. (3).

£4,000 - 6,000
JPY590,000 - 890,000
US$5,300 - 7,900

Susano-o, the ‘Impetuous Male Deity’ of early Japanese myth, married
lady Kushiinada after intoxicating and slaying a dragon; in its tail he
discovered a sword which is revered to this day as one of the Three
Imperial Regalia of Japan. The design likely took its inspiration from a
drawing by Kawanabe Kyosai, see Timothy Clark, Demon of Painting:
The Art of Kawanabe Kyosai, London, British Museum, 1993, p.53.

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.