Description
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
From our Japanese collection, we’re thrilled to present this finely made Japanese mixed metals vase from the Meiji period (1868–1912), by Shuho.
The vase is bottle-shaped with a rounded body, a waisted neck and a flared rim, crafted in a combination of gold, silver, shakudo, and shibuichi, using both takazogan (raised inlay) and hirazogan (flat inlay) techniques. The scene features two peacocks on a rocky outcrop. One sits gracefully at the base with detailed gold and silver inlay, gazing upward at a second peacock in flight. The airborne bird’s train is richly decorated with gold inlay, its eyespots carefully highlighted to enhance movement and depth. Around the scene are fine details including gold-inlaid foliage and a large, fully bloomed silver peony. The vase is lined in silver and signed on the side Shuho Koku (engraved by Shuho), a skilled metal artist of the period.
A beautiful example of Meiji metalwork from the turn of the 20th century, combining precise technique with expressive decorative detail.
Provenance
Private UK collection
taka zogan 高象嵌
translated literally as mound inlay, is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique that involves inlaying raised designs into a metal surface made of solid sheet metal, repousse-worked sheet, or cast metal forms. These forms can also be carved, engraved, or themselves inlaid. Unlike flat inlay, where the decoration sits flush, taka zogan builds the motif up in relief, giving it depth and texture. Artisans carefully carve out a recess, then hammer or press softer metals like gold, silver, or copper into place, often finishing with fine engraving.
Hira zogan 平象嵌
the inlay of sheet metal flush with the base metal
Zogan 象嵌
Japanese word for Metal Inlay
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 swordsmiths 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.
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.
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.
MEASUREMENTS
22cm High x 13.5cm Diameter (8.66 x 5.3 Inches)
CONDITION
Very Good-Excellent
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