Page 154 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

131 | SHOGYOKUSAI MASAYOSHI: AN EXTREMELY
RARE AND EARLY SHIBAYAMA CABINET
By Shogyokusai Masayoshi, signed Shogyokusai Masayoshi
Japan, 1800-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)

Made of thick and heavy ivory segments, punched and incised
bronze fittings, overall decorated with superb lacquer painting and
few Shibayama inlays, an unquestionable trademark of the earliest
Shibayama works. Five-character artist signature SHOGYOKUSAI
MASAYOSHI painted in gold lacquer to backside.

Depiction of an array of Manchurian cranes, peacocks, eagles,
sparrows and various other birds amid pine and cherry trees as
well as peonies with their vines and leaves. The inside bears six
small and one large drawer. The cabinet itself stands on four raised
feet. The Shibayama inlays are made of mother-of-pearl, coral and
hardstone. The lacquer painting is made of hira- and takamaki-e
and gold nashiji.

SIZE 20.4 x 16.3 x 6.9 cm
WEIGHT 1807.6 grams (!!)
Condition: Good condition with some wear, one age crack to
backside, old wear and traces of use. The ivory has naturally
patinated into a deep golden-yellow tone. The bronze fittings also
show a unanimous natural, dark-brown patina.
Provenance: British collection.

Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

130 | A FINE MINIATURE IVORY AND
SHIBAYAMA DISPLAY CABINET
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely worked as a miniature display cabinet (shodana) ideal for the
display of miniature objects such as netsuke. The cabinet stands on
four flared feet and has two storage drawers carved with celestial
dragons in high relief grasping a tama (which forms the knob), their
eyes inlaid in mother of pearl. The mid-section allows for display
space and one side is finely inlaid in Shibayama style with flowers
and butterflies. The top section consists of two sliding doors and
another door with a knob. The sides and top as well are decorated
in Shibayama style with flowers, birds and butterflies. The inlays are
horn and mother of pearl amongst fine incision work.
SIZE 15.4 x 14.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British collection.

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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