The white blossoms of the plum tree, with their delicate fragrance, have been likened to a beautiful woman and her feminine charms, whereas an ancient, twisted blossoming tree branch is emblematic of strength, endurance and the vitality of old age. Plum blossoms are often seen in combination with pine and bamboo (“shochikubai”), and this combination signifies lasting happiness and longevity.

In ginbari, a copper or brass body is generally covered with a thin sheet of silver foil which frequently has a stippled or other repetitive design embossed upon it. The foil is then covered with transparent or translucent enamel, so that the reflective quality of the foil enhances the color and gives the piece a shimmering effect. The background portion of the piece has some similarity to basse-taille in that light traverses the transparent enamel layer to shine from the hollows and ridges of the design. The foreground in gin-bari is like standard cloisonné in that it is made of wired cells filled with colored enamels, either transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. Akasuke is a type of ginbari in which a brilliantly-polished copper body is punched, often in an overall stippled design, and a transparent red enamel (hence the name “pigeon blood”) is applied over the entire object. The combination of the transparent red enamel and bright copper base gives rise to a deep reflective look which is quite pleasing, resulting in a creation of the utmost delicacy and subtlety with a three-dimensional effect.

CONDITION is excellent; no damage. DIMENSIONS: 3 ¾” high (9.5 cm) high, 3 ½” (8.9 cm) diameter.

NOTE: We also have a larger vase very similar to this one but marked “Ando,” and they would make a nice pair. See Item #860448.