Page 129 - Bonhams May 16, 2019 London Japanese Art

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AN INLAID IRON RECTANGULAR BOX AND COVER A FINELY INLAID IRON LARGE CIRCULAR LOBED CHARGER
By Komai Otojiro of Kyoto, Meiji era (1868-1912), By Komai Otojiro of Kyoto, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century,
late 19th/early 20th century probably circa 1875-1880
Worked throughout in the typical Komai style of silver and gold overlay, Raised on a low foot ring, the iron body cast and chiselled in typical
the cover with a temple complex that includes Kiyomizu Temple with Komai silver and gold relief overlay, the central panel executed in gold
its large veranda supported by tall wood pillars, the sides of the box and bronze high relief inlay depicting an elderly peasant couple each
and feet decorated with fruiting vine; signed on the base Nihon koku cradling one child, the older sibling in the background peering from
Kyoto no ju Komai sei within a square seal beneath a dragonfly. behind an open doorway holding a book titled Nihon no shi (A History
3.3cm x 8cm x 5.7cm (1¼in x 3 1/8in x 2¼in). of Japan), surrounded by swirling panels radiating from the centre
enclosing circular foliate motifs alternating with thatched huts nestled
£1,500 - 2,000 among pine on a lakeshore and sailing boats in the distance, all within
JPY220,000 - 290,000 a fruiting-vine outer border finished with a gold band, signed on the
US$2,000 - 2,600 base with silver nunome-zogan characters Saikyo no ju Komai sei.
4.5cm x 48cm (1¾in x 18 7/8in).

£25,000 - 30,000
JPY3,600,000 - 4,400,000
US$33,000 - 39,000

Saikyo (‘Western Capital’) was an alternative name for Kyoto
(corresponding to Tokyo, ‘Eastern Capital’) widely used during the
early part of the Meiji era.

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. FINE JAPANESE ART | 127