Japanese Miniature Silver “Furo” Brazier, Glass Liner
Catalogue:
Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Metalwork:
Pre 1940 item# 661747 (stock# 6-428)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$110
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This most unusual silver miniature was crafted in the form of the brazier component of the Japanese tea ceremony “furo-gama” or “chagama” and dates to the early half of the 20th century. There is an indistinguishable mark stamped into the base. Sitting on three feet, the tiny furo is attached to a round trivet base made to simulate finely grained hardwood with low relief “graining” in the silver. The tiny ringed handles, also with low relief decoration, are hinged and actually move. Similar to other silver miniature pieces from this period, this one is fitted with a glass liner. We do not know if it was used as a salt dish or an ink well or if it were simply a decorative piece.
The large cast iron furo from which this piece was modeled is a brazier used to hold coals for heating water in an accompanying teapot for the tea ceremony. Furo typically have decorative cutouts for ventilation and tending the coals as well as two ringed handles.
CONDITION is excellent, with no dents, dings or scratches. We have left it in its original unpolished state to allow the customer to decide whether or not to clean it. We have not tested it, so we do not know if it is silver or silverplate. DIMENSIONS: 2” (5 cm) diameter, 1 ¼” (3.3 cm) high.
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Sterling Silver Commemorative “Koban” Covered Case
Catalogue:
Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
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Metalwork:
Pre 1960 item# 726679 (stock# 6-433)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$295
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This diminutive Japanese covered silver box is hand hammered and finely stamped in the form of an early Japanese “koban” coin. Possibly a kogo (incense container), it is dated 1957. The bottom of the case bears the Japanese silver hallmark "JUNGIN" (pure silver) and "GINSEI" (made from silver) in Kanji letters. Both can be regarded as over silver 92.5% quality. This inscribed sterling silver case was made to commemorate the inauguration of the Koban Komatsu Store, a luxury shop which still exists in the Ginza, Tokyo. The bottom of the case is stamped with the date “Showa 32” (1957) and the name of Tokuriki, a fine metal and jewelry dealer in Tokyo who crafted the case for the Koban Komatsu Store inauguration. The original kiri wood (paulownia) storage box is also inscribed and signed.
The koban was an oblong striated coin which often appeared stamped with Japanese characters and paulownia seals. The gold koban was the highest value coin in circulation in Japan, where it was minted and used throughout the Edo period (1603- 1868). The koban design motif is symbolic of good fortune and wealth.
CONDITION is perfect. Dimensions: Case: 2 ¾” (7 cm) long, 1 ½” (3.8 cm) wide, 0.3” (6 mm) high. Wood Box: 4 5/8” (11.8 cm) x 3 ¼” (8.3 cm) x ¾” (2 cm).
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Art Deco Hammered Copper Ikebana Flower Basket
Catalogue:
Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Metalwork:
Pre 1940 item# 720358 (stock# 6-432)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$565
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This simple and elegant Japanese hand hammered copper vase in basket form with a double entwined relief work handle is an unusual representation in Art Deco style of a “hanakago” or bamboo flower basket. Early 20th century. The four sides flow in a softly rounded shape from a square base and culminate in a square lip. Each copper strip of the double handle has been pressed repeatedly with little rivet-like bumps and then twisted together, giving it a wonderful tactile appeal in addition to its striking appearance. Although apparently simple in its overall design and lines, it is obvious that an enormous amount of metalwork skill went into creating this basket .
CONDITION is excellent; rich original patina. DIMENSIONS: 15 ¼” (38.8 cm) high, 6 1/8” (15.6 cm) maximum width and depth.
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Set of Eight Komai Style Inlaid Iron Place Card Holders
Catalogue:
Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Metalwork:
Pre 1950 item# 978599 (stock# 6-459)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$400 for set of 8
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These diminutive vintage inlaid place card holders were hand crafted in iron inlaid with miniature designs intricately inlaid in gold and silver. Ca. 1940-1950. The reverse side, the base and the clip to hold the name card in place are made of brass. Made by the Amita Jewelry Company, the bases are stamped “Amita Japan.” Each holder bears a different floral or landscape scene featuring birds, flowers, pagodas, boats and Mt. Fuji. The set comes with its original kiri wood storage box (“tomobako”) which bears the Amita Jewelry label. Used to hold the name cards of the guests seated at a dinner table, these jewel-like inlaid holders were an elegant accessory on a formally set dining table.
Japanese metalwork, technically and artistically, has been unrivaled by that of other cultures for many centuries. In Kyoto, the Komai family was recognized for its fine decorative metalwork during the Meiji period. Made by a very difficult process of metalwork, Komai wares typically had a base of iron or steel which was decorated with minute bits of gold and/or silver and copper in exquisite detail. Their most successful products were generally small items. Also called damascene, high quality Komai style wares are highly collectible. These place card holders are an unusual representation of this fine ware.
CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: Each place card holder is approximately one inch (2.5 cm) high x one-half inch (1.3 cm) wide. Wood box is 7 5/8” (cm) x 1 ½” (cm) x 1 ¼” (3.2 cm) high.
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