Description
Japanese bronze and mixed metals koro by Nogawa, dating to the Meiji period circa 1890. The koro is of octagonal form raised upon elongated bracket feet, executed in dark patinated bronze with finely worked silver, gold, shakudo and shibuichi inlay throughout.
The body is divided by diamond quilt pattern borders and decorated with four gilt framed panels depicting landscapes and flowering wisteria rendered in mixed metals against the rich bronze ground. The varying alloys create subtle tonal contrast across the surface, particularly within the landscape reserves where silver waterlines, darker shakudo details and soft gilt highlights are carefully balanced rather than overly decorative.
The elongated feet are finished with delicate silver line inlay, giving the koro a lighter visual appearance despite its architectural form. Above, the domed lid is decorated with geometric and floral borders and surmounted by a seated kirin finial highlighted with gilt spots and finely modelled details. The underside of the lid retains the Nogawa company mark.
Fresh to the market, the koro reflects the refined mixed metals work associated with the Nogawa workshop during the late Meiji period, when Kyoto metalworkers increasingly produced sophisticated decorative objects combining traditional alloy techniques with highly controlled surface decoration for both domestic and export audiences.
The restrained use of mixed metals, dark natural patination and carefully spaced decorative reserves place the piece firmly within the higher quality artistic metalwork produced during the late nineteenth century rather than heavily ornamented commercial export wares.
The koro remains a strong example of Meiji period Japanese mixed metals work with finely detailed inlay, balanced proportions and excellent surface decoration throughout.
View the full Japanese Collection.
Measurements
18cm high x 9.75 x 6.5cm Deep (7 x 3.85 x 2.56 Inches)
Condition
Very Good antique condition
Who were NOGAWA?
Nogawa, Noboru (の no, 川 river – kawa or gawa) known as the Nogawa Company was founded in 1825 at 22 Shijo Otabicho in Kyoto, Japan. They were dealers and manufactures in a range of objects from metalwork to satsuma ware with shops in both Kyoto and Miyako Hotels. They frequently exhibited their wears around the world establishing global presence and a strong collector following which continues today.
For further information please see our Makers & Retails page for Nogawa.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences.
Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
WHAT IS BRONZE?
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike.
In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
WHAT IS SHAKUDO 赤銅?
Shakudo 赤銅 is a traditional Japanese alloy made primarily of copper with a small amount of gold, usually around 4-7%. What makes it special isn’t just the metal itself, but the way it’s treated.
Through a patination process using a special solution called rokusho, the surface turns a deep, velvety black or dark blue-black. This rich colour was especially prized by sword-smiths and metalworkers for use on sword fittings, ornaments, and inlaid details.
Shakudo was often paired with gold, silver, or other alloys in fine inlay work, creating a striking contrast that highlighted both texture and technique.
What is SHIBUICHI 四分一?
which literally means “one quarter” in Japanese, is a traditional metal alloy made from about 25% silver and 75% copper (though the ratio can vary depending on the desired colour).
What sets shibuichi apart is its ability to develop a subtle, smoky grey patina through a special chemical treatment using rokusho, the same solution used for shakudo. The final tone can range from pale silvery grey to a soft blue-grey or even a mossy green, depending on the alloy mix and the artisan’s technique.
Shibuichi was commonly used in samurai sword fittings and decorative inlays, valued for its understated elegance and ability to harmonise beautifully with gold, shakudo, and other materials.
What is a Kirin?
In Japanese mythology, the Kirin (麒麟) is a sacred mythical creature associated with peace, prosperity and purity. Derived from the Chinese Qilin, it is regarded as one of the most revered divine beasts in East Asian folklore and is often compared to the Western unicorn due to its gentle nature and horned appearance.
The Kirin is traditionally described as a benevolent creature that only appears during periods of harmony or to herald the arrival of an enlightened ruler or golden age. Despite its immense strength, it is considered a symbol of kindness and justice, moving so delicately that it is said not to harm a single living thing beneath its feet.
During the fifteenth century, giraffes brought from Africa to East Asia were famously identified by imperial courts as living Kirin, a connection that survives today as the modern Japanese word “kirin” still means giraffe.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
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We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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