Rare Japanese Antique Meiji (Late 19thc) Shibayama Inlaid Wooden Box

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Superb Japanese antique Meiji (late 19thC) Shibayama inlaid wooden (cigarette?) box with a beautifully decorated lid (mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, abalone, ivory and horn),

depicting a seated gentleman, probably Jurojin or Fukurokuju (Japanese Gods) with a red-crowned crane. Signed ‘Fuorisai’ in a mother-of-pearl reserve on the base of the box. 14cm long x 12cm wide x 4cm high, weight 345g.

Excellent condition.

Shibayama is a highly intricate Japanese inlay technique (zogan) that originated in the late Edo period (mid-19th century) and flourished during the Meiji period (1868–1912). It involves inlaying materials such as mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, abalone, coconut shell, bone, ivory, horn, amber and coral (among others) into a base of wood, lacquer, or ivory to create 3D, multi-coloured and textured designs.

Physical Dimensions

Height

4cm (1.57")

Width

14cm (5.51")

Depth

12cm (4.72")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1201340

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1406

Description

Superb Japanese antique Meiji (late 19thC) Shibayama inlaid wooden (cigarette?) box with a beautifully decorated lid (mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, abalone, ivory and horn),

“

depicting a seated gentleman, probably Jurojin or Fukurokuju (Japanese Gods) with a red-crowned crane.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Signed ‘Fuorisai’ in a mother-of-pearl reserve on the base of the box. 14cm long x 12cm wide x 4cm high, weight 345g.

fig 1. Rare Japanese antique Meiji (late 19thC) Shibayama Inlaid Wooden Box — fig 1. Rare Japanese Antique Meiji (Late 19thc) Shibayama Inlaid Wooden Box

Excellent condition.

Shibayama is a highly intricate Japanese inlay technique (zogan) that originated in the late Edo period (mid-19th century) and flourished during the Meiji period (1868–1912). It involves inlaying materials such as mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, abalone, coconut shell, bone, ivory, horn, amber and coral (among others) into a base of wood, lacquer, or ivory to create 3D, multi-coloured and textured designs.