Meiji No Takara

This two-part volume introduces 161 examples of metalwork, from monumental bronzes more than two metres high and outsize iron salvers overlaid with gold to tiny ornaments in silver and the patinated bronze allowys known as shaukdo and shibuchi. In the early Meiji period the prohibition of sword-wear [...]
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This two-part volume introduces 161 examples of metalwork, from monumental bronzes more than two metres high and outsize iron salvers overlaid with gold to tiny ornaments in silver and the patinated bronze allowys known as shaukdo and shibuchi. In the early Meiji period the prohibition of sword-wearing and the disestablishment of Buddhism forced swordsmiths, sword decorators, and bronze-casters to find new markets for their skills. Japanese bronzes were successfully shown at the Vienna international exposition of 1873 and the 492 works submitted by Japanese artists to the Nuremburg metalwork exhibition in 1885 won widespread admiration, the first prize going to Suzuki Chokichi (1848-1919) for a great bronze eagle. The Khalili Collection includes a vast and hitherto unknown bronze incense-burner by Chokichi, an exquisitely decorated elephant incense-burner by Shoami Katsuyoshi (1832-1908), a large group of iron pieces decorated in gold by the Komai family of Kyoto, and ornaments commissioned from leading artists by the Ozeki company.