Nogawa Company of Kyoto 能川
(1825-Unknown)
Founded in 1825 at 22 Shijo Otabicho in Kyoto, Japan, Nogawa operated as both a manufacturer and dealer of fine art, showcasing its work in the prestigious Kyoto and Miyako Hotels. Between 1893 and 1910, Nogawa presented its pieces at prominent international exhibitions, establishing a global presence. The company specialized in bronze and fine art creations, including garden sculptures, animal and human figures, Buddhas, vases, and smaller decorative items such as cigarette cases. Nogawa’s offerings also extended to other traditional Japanese crafts, including cloisonné, damascene, lacquerware, and Satsuma pottery.
Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Damascene Cigarette Case by Nogawa sold by Jacksons Antique
Around 1902, the Nogawa workshop relocated nearby to 35 Shijo Otabicho. By the early 1920s, Seizo Nogawa, presumed to be the son of founder Noboru, joined the company, representing Nogawa’s works at both national and international exhibitions. Nogawa was listed in “A Handbook for Travellers in Japan written by the famous British Japanologist Basil Hall Chamberlain (1850–1935) and telecommunications specialist William B. Mason (1853-1923).”
Nogawa Trademark inlaid in gold from a cigarette case sold by Jacksons Antique
The Nogawa trademark is a distinct stylized design featuring the hiragana character の (“no”) with three vertical lines symbolizing the kanji for “river” (川), combining to signify “Nogawa.”