Description
Silver & Enamel
From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this Silver and enamel box by Komyo 光明.
The box is of rectangular form with rounded corners and features a sculpted group of the Three Wise Monkeys representing see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. The monkeys are cast with naturalistic detail and wear enamelled haori (羽織) decorated with floral and geometric patterns. The surrounding surface is engraved using katakiribori, an angled chisel technique, to depict branches of a persimmon plant bearing fruit. The engraving continues onto the sides of the box creating a continuous design.
The box is signed to one side Komyo 光明 who worked for the Tokyo firm Uyeda. It dates to the late Meiji Period (1868-1912) and is a fine example of Japanese silverwork from this era.
K. Uyeda shop (Uyeda Shoten, 植田商店)
Founded in 1884 by Uyeda Kichigoro, K. Uyeda is one of Japan’s oldest silversmiths still in operation. The company began with Satsuma ware before moving into silver tableware and decorative objects popular with Western clients. Managed by successive generations of the Uyeda family, the shop became known for hosting notable visitors including Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe and Henry Kissinger.
From the late 1950s, K. Uyeda shifted focus to cultured pearl jewellery, later introducing Italian designs to Japan in 1973. Renamed Uyeda Jeweller in the 1980s, the business continues today under the leadership of Tomohiro Uyeda at the Imperial Hotel Arcade, Tokyo.
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
8.5cm Long x 6cm Wide x 3cm Deep (3.35 x 2.36 x 1.18 Inches)
Condition
Very Good
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