Lot 211
An inlaid iron cabinet modelled as a shrine Attributed to the Komai Company of Kyoto, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
7 November 2019, 14:00 GMT
London, New Bond StreetSold for £40,062.50 inc. premium
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An inlaid iron cabinet modelled as a shrine
Attributed to the Komai Company of Kyoto, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
Worked throughout in typical Komai style of predominantly flat gold overlay with extensive use of kebori for the details, constructed on two separate storeys raised on a stepped square base, each storey constructed beneath a typically sloping roof fitted with hinged doors concealing further drawers within, the upper roof decorated with a flock of overlapping cranes surmounted by a tall stupa with a tama-shaped knop from which chains lead down to the roof's corners, where bells are suspended, the lower roof with ho-o (phoenixes) in flight beneath kirimon (paulownia crests) on a ground of vine leaves, the exterior of the lower doors with ogee windows on each side flanking buildings in rural settings or seasonal flowers, the sides of the base with chidori (plovers) flying above spumy waves, the exterior of the lower drawers with irises and roundels enclosing thatched huts or pavilions on a fruiting vine ground, the underside of the structure engraved with a spray of fruiting vine; unsigned. 30.5cm 16.7cm (12in x 6½in).
Worked throughout in typical Komai style of predominantly flat gold overlay with extensive use of kebori for the details, constructed on two separate storeys raised on a stepped square base, each storey constructed beneath a typically sloping roof fitted with hinged doors concealing further drawers within, the upper roof decorated with a flock of overlapping cranes surmounted by a tall stupa with a tama-shaped knop from which chains lead down to the roof's corners, where bells are suspended, the lower roof with ho-o (phoenixes) in flight beneath kirimon (paulownia crests) on a ground of vine leaves, the exterior of the lower doors with ogee windows on each side flanking buildings in rural settings or seasonal flowers, the sides of the base with chidori (plovers) flying above spumy waves, the exterior of the lower drawers with irises and roundels enclosing thatched huts or pavilions on a fruiting vine ground, the underside of the structure engraved with a spray of fruiting vine; unsigned. 30.5cm 16.7cm (12in x 6½in).
Footnotes
For another two comparative shrines of this quality and type, see Oliver Impey and Malcolm Fairley, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Japanese Art, Vol.II, Metalwork Part I, London, Kibo Foundation, 1995, cat. nos.33 and 35.
