Page 27 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

15 | A VERY RARE AND FINE SHAKUDO KODANSU
Japan, late 19th century Meiji period (1868-1912)
SIZE 13.9 cm x 10.9 cm x 17.5cm
The Kodansu (miniature cabinet) of rectilinear form made from Condition: Very good and original condition. Minor expected
shakudo with gilt edges. The front shows two confronting roosters, surface wear, and some rubbing to gilding and silvered copper
gilt feathers flying around, finely inlaid in gold, silver and copper. throughout. The lowest drawer with a large crack through the
The remaining four sides show various inlaid images in iro-e underside.
takazogan and hon-zogan inside fan-shaped reserves. These Provenance: British private estate.
include: the thunder god Raijin, puppies next to a stupa, the lucky
deity Hotei with karako, a man and woman drinking sake, butterflies Kondansu, which are usually made from lacquered wood, are
and flowers, a stork, sparrows amidst tumbling waves, a squid with extremely rare to find in metal.
clams and a basket of fruit.
Auction comparison: For a Kodansu made from Shibuichi see
When opening the Kodansu with the gilt floral handle in the front, Sotheby’s. Fine Japanese Art, London, 6 November 2018, lot 144.
the inside reveals three wood drawers decorated in gold takamaki-e
to the fronts with Buddhist treasures. The top with a gilt metal Estimate EUR 4.000,-
handle, the whole resting on bracket feet. Starting price EUR 2.000,-

24 25