Japanese Koro vase (incense burner) in silver with colored enamel and gold lacquer, adorned with Shibayama.

Japanese Silver Enamel & Shibayama Decorated Gold Lacquer Koro

Master: Naomasa
Period: 1868 - 1912, Japan, Meiji Era, 19th Century.
Materials: Silver, ivory, lacquer, coral, tortoise shell
Size: Height 18 cm

Before you is a decorative silver vase with a lid, featuring a figure of an eagle sitting on a rock atop the lid. On either side of the body of the item, there are two panels of gold lacquer inlaid with ivory, mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell, and coral, in the katyo style (birds). The shoulders of the vase are adorned with stylized enameled handles. The surface of the silver vase is profusely decorated with floral ornamentation using polychrome glass-like enamels. This piece is made in the shibayama style, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and the noble combination of decorative elements against the backdrop of silver sheen and golden tones of the inlays. The level of artistic execution allows one to speak of the museum significance of this item.

Shibayama is a highly intricate and remarkably beautiful technique for decorating interior objects, characterized by the inlaying of materials such as ivory, mother-of-pearl, coral, tortoise shell, etc., into items made of wood, metal, and ceramics.

Description: As part of our Japanese art collection, we are delighted to offer this fine quality silver and enamel koro (incense burner) inlaid with shibayama decorated gold lacquer panels. The main segmented body of the koro is crafted from silver, richly enameled in bright floral decorations and garlands. The front and rear cartouches house a pair of shibayama style gold lacquer panels adorned in typical fashion with birds amidst prunus blossoms. The side handles are embellished with a pair of cast silver three-clawed dragons, and the lid is topped with a ho-ho bird with outstretched wings, lined with silver. The shibayama panels are signed by the artist, and the silver body is marked for the enamelist/silversmith, showcasing a collaboration of traditional Meiji skills in this magnificent finished piece!!

As you might imagine, these delicate works rarely survive fully intact. I am pleased to report that the condition of this koro is simply stunning, with no damage or losses to either the enamel or shibayama. The signature can be found on the base.

The shibayama decoration contains no ivory, allowing it to be shipped to most places worldwide without licensing issues.

Approximate sizes:
Max height: 18 cm