Description
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Mixed Metals Box. The Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Box formed in a kidney shape and decorated to the exterior with naturalistic swimming koi carp fish throughout. Each Koi Carp features intricate detailing with gold splash accents on bronze and shakudo bases with realistic scales amongst ripples throughout the box. The interior of the box is lined with plain metal common with these types of Meiji Period Japanese Boxes. The Bronze Box dates to the turn of the 20th century during the Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1890.
Koi Carp are known to swim against the current and overcome great obstacles, koi symbolise strength, courage, patience, and success through perseverance. As koi can grow very large and live a long life, they have become a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
Shakudo 赤銅 is a billion of gold and copper which can be patinated or left in its original state which resembles bronze.
Meiji Period was an era of Japanese history that spanned from 1868 to 1912. It was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people began to build a paradigm of a modern, industrialised nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western countries and aesthetics. As a result of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound and it affected the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations across the board. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji and was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era.
Cultural Art during the Meiji Period was of particular interest to the government and they overhauled the art export market which in turn promoted Japanese arts via various world’s fairs, beginning in Vienna at the world fair in 1873. The government heavily funded the fairs and took an active role organising how Japan’s culture was presented to the world including creating a semi-public company named Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company). The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was used to promote and commercialise exports of Japanese art and established the Hakurankai Jimukyoku (Exhibition Bureau) to maintain quality standards. For the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japanese government created a Centennial Office and sent a special envoy to secure space for the 30,000 items that would be displayed. The Imperial Household also took an active interest in arts and crafts, commissioning works by select artists to be given as gifts for foreign dignitaries further emphasising the high quality and importance of Japanese art. Just before the end of the 19th century in 1890, the Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) system was created to recognise distinguished artists. These artists were selected for their exceptionally high quality wares and talent in their own industry. Over a period of 54 years Seventy artists were appointed, amongst these were ceramicist Makuzu Kozan and cloisonné enamel artist Namikawa Yasuyuki.
Antique a collectable object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its age and quality. Objects of this nature are generally considered antique at 100 plus years of age.
Measurements 4.5cm High x 9.8cm Wide x 7cm Deep (1.77 x 3.86 x 2.76 Inches)
Condition Excellent, No damage and No restoration.
With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guides, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing.
