Japanese Bronze & Mixed Metal Vases by Suzuki Chokichi

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this high quality pair of Meiji period 1868-1912, circa 1885, bronze and mixed metal onlaid vases by the highly coveted artist Suzuki Chokichi (1848-1919), his art name Kako, the unusual baluster shaped vases cleverly designed to give the appearance of free standing upon elaborate silver mounted bracket foot bases, however the bases are an integral part of the vases main body. The main bodies of each vase fabulously onlaid in mixed metal autumnal foliage, an absolute trait of Kako who excelled in depicting leaves and foliage in glorious autumn colors and various stages of decay, these vases further decorated with large red berries to one and smaller native silver colored berries to the other, absolutely delightful work,  Chokichi has added his own unique style with a contemporary twist to the necks and bases of each vase  adding bands of geometric gold and silver swirls, the vases nicely signed to the underside and carrying the double mountain mark unique to the Kiryu Kosho Kaisha company ( the government sponsored first manufacturing and trading company ), at which Chokichi was the lead artist, designer and director until its closure in 1891 . a fine pair of high quality decorative vases by arguably one of the leading metalwork artists and designers of the Meiji period , a [pair of vases that would sit well in any serious Japanese works of art collection .

Provenance :

2020 Vision of an enlightened ruler - plate 4

Literature :

As previously stated Suzuki Chokichi (Kako) was director , designer and lead artist of the government sponsored Kiryu Kosho Kaisha company until its closure in 1891 , his adventurous artistic ideas were reputedly not always well received by the government funded factory, they probably had one eye on commercial quantity and more repetitive works than Kako would have liked, he went on to produce many other individual high quality and now famous works housed around the worlds great collections and leading museums , including a monumental 2.8m Koro surmounted by an Eagle which resides in the Victoria and Albert museum, and arguably his most famous known work being a set of twelve Mixed metal Birds of Prey, now rightfully resting in the Tokyo national museum .

Suzuki Chokichi's work was eventually rewarded in 1896 when he was granted the rare accolade of becoming an Imperial artist ( Teishitsu Gigeiin ).

I am pleased to say his incredible artistic skills are eventually being recognized some 120 years later, by leading collectors of Japanese Meiji period metalworks.

Condition report :

The vases are in lovely condition .

Approximate sizes :

Height :  11.1/2" 29 cm

Width:    6"      15.3 cm

Weight is a very substantial combined 6kg (6040 gms )

Available during usual business hours 7 days a week by prior appointment only.

Available out of hours for general enquiries : sales@stagsheadantiques.com or steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com

Tel 07774-635918