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ID #SA1237524
FOR SALE
£275
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Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle. Circa 1850.
For sale by Dragoncharger Antiques
for sale €322     $349
£275

Dragoncharger Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
Browse dealers 163 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.
Id #SA1237524
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Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle. Circa 1850.

19th century
Description

Rare Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle with bird in high-relief. Circa 1850 (possibly earlier).

This hikite is an ornamental door handle. This example features an inlaid bird, and represents a masterful blend of architecture and traditional decorative metallurgy rendered in high relief (Takaniku-zōgan), and visually striking against the dark metal.

*The bird is most likely a swallow (known as tsubame in Japanese), and represents one of the most beloved, poetic motifs in traditional Japanese architectural design. The swallow is deeply cherished as a harbinger of spring, good fortune, and domestic bliss. Traditionally believed to bring good luck, successful business, and family protection. Paired with a moon crescent (top left of hikite in recessed white enamel) and willow tree at the bottom of the hikite. This motif is called Tsuki ni Tsubame (Moon and Swallow) and carries deep cultural and artistic significance and highly popular during the Edo period (1603–1867).

Condition: Good original condition. Some surface corrosion commensurate with age. Bird in superb high-relief with gold lustre. The enamel moon (top left) in excellent condition. Museum/ Collection number 138 to reverse.

Dimensions:

Height = 7.5 cm

Width = 4.6 cm

Depth = 1.0 cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
7.5cm (2.95")
Width
4.6cm (1.81")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Declaration

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Antique Japanese Hikite Pull to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237524
Dealers Internal Reference
D:09097
Description
Rare Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle with bird in high-relief. Circa 1850 (possibly earlier).

This hikite is an ornamental door handle. This example features an inlaid bird, and represents a masterful blend of architecture and traditional decorative metallurgy rendered in high relief (Takaniku-zōgan), and visually striking against the dark metal.

“
The bird is most likely a swallow (known as tsubame in Japanese), and represents one of the most beloved, poetic motifs in traditional Japanese architectural design.
Dragoncharger Antiques

The swallow is deeply cherished as a harbinger of spring, good fortune, and domestic bliss. Traditionally believed to bring good luck, successful business, and family protection. Paired with a moon crescent (top left of hikite in recessed white enamel) and willow tree at the bottom of the hikite. This motif is called Tsuki ni Tsubame (Moon and Swallow) and carries deep cultural and artistic significance and highly popular during the Edo period (1603–1867).

fig 1. A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs.
fig 1. Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle. Circa 1850.

Condition: Good original condition. Some surface corrosion commensurate with age. Bird in superb high-relief with gold lustre. The enamel moon (top left) in excellent condition. Museum/ Collection number 138 to reverse.

Dimensions:

Height = 7.5 cm

Width = 4.6 cm

Depth = 1.0 cm

Height
7.5cm (2.95")
Width
4.6cm (1.81")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Date of Manufacture

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Antique Japanese Hikite Pull to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237524
Dealers Internal Ref
D:09097
Dragoncharger Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024

Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragoncharger Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs.
1 / 15
Archive I A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs.

Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle. Circa 1850.

Archive II A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View II
Archive III A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View III
Archive IV A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View IV
Archive V A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View V
Archive VI A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View VII
Archive VIII A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View VIII
Archive IX A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View IX
Archive X A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View X
Archive XI A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View XI
Archive XII A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View XII
Archive XIII A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View XIII
Archive XIV A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View XIV
Archive XV A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs. View XV
Enlarged Archival View

Dragoncharger Antiques
Telephone 07974 144321
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 163
Items Sold 17
Dragoncharger Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
163
Sold
17
A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs.
Japanese Hikite / Door Pull Handle. Circa 1850.
Ref: SA1237524
A rectangular dark bronze recessed Japanese hikite door pull decorated with a gilt bird in flight and carved pine tree motifs.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDoor Handles
  • Period19th century
  • StyleEdo Period
  • MaterialPatinated Bronze, Brass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRecessed panel, Bird in flight, Pine motif, Stepped corner frame
  • SizeH 7.5 cm (3 in) x W 4.6 cm (2 in) x D 1 cm (0 in)

This Japanese hikite door pull handle dates from the Edo period around 1850. The piece is fashioned from patinated bronze with a dark brown finish and brass elements. It takes a rectangular form with a stepped corner frame and a recessed central panel. Surface decoration includes an inlaid gilt bird in high-relief flying above carved pine tree motifs along the lower section. Additional details comprise visible surface corrosion commensurate with age across the dark metal body. This decorative hardware item measures 7.5 cm high, 4.6 cm wide, and 1 cm deep. In a modern interior, this architectural element serves as a compact ornamental display piece or a collector's cabinet accent. The construction is designed for integration into traditional sliding doors or panels, though it functions equally well as a study desk paperweight or a wall-mounted decorative object. The tactile bronze surface and metallic contrast suit minimalist, Asian-inspired, or eclectic display spaces where historical metallurgy can be appreciated at close range.

FAQs

A hikite is a traditional Japanese flush door handle embedded into sliding screens, known as fusuma or shoji. Originating centuries ago, these architectural elements evolved from simple functional recesses into ornate decorative metalwork during the Edo period.

Traditional hikite were forged using various metals including bronze, iron, brass, and copper alloys like shakudo or shibuichi. High-status pieces often featured gold or silver gilt highlights, cast or hand-chased decorative relief designs, and dark hand-applied patinas.

Authentic period examples display hand-carved or chased detailing with subtle surface variations from traditional hand tools. They also feature natural age-related oxidisation, smooth wear patterns around the recessed areas, and hand-forged mounting pin holes.

Antique hikite can be mounted as framed architectural art, displayed on custom metal stands, or integrated as functional recessed pulls on modern custom cabinetry and sliding doors.

To preserve the original surface patination and gilding, dust the metal gently with a soft, dry brush. Avoid abrasive metal polishes, chemical cleaning agents, and water exposure, which can strip historical patination.
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