As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most outstanding quality Meiji Period 1868-1912, iron and mixed metal vase by the highly regarded Kajima Ikkoku II (1846-1925) , his art name Mitsutaka. This jewel of a vase stands upon a lappet footed base and features two main panels decorated in onlaid mixed alloys including gold, silver, shakudo and shibuichi, the first panel depicts a bird at rest upon the branch of a maple tree, the reverse captures a pair of Manchurian cranes stood amidst flora with a butterfly above. These panels are framed by lavish gold and silver damascened decoration in a manner commonly referred to as Nunomezogan, here Ikkoku has created a delightful lappet footed base decorated with a continuous band of gold and silver chrysanthemum and peonies, the base gives rise to the main body of the vase decorated in a geometric diaper pattern interspersed with roundels of flora, mythical beasts and insects, the neck decorated with opposi...