An inlaid iron cabinet modelled as a shrine, attributed to the Komai Company of Kyoto.
Meiji period (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century.
Worked throughout in typical Komai style of predominantly flat gold overlay with extensive use of kebori (engraving) for the details, constructed on two separate storeys raised on a stepped square base, each storey constructed beneath a typically sloping flat roof fitted with hinged doors concealing further drawers within, the upper roof decorated with ho-o birds in flight bordered by half chrysanthemum crests surmounted by a tall stupa with a tama-shaped knop, each corner of the lower roof adorned with a suspended bell, decorated with writhing dragons bordered by half chrysanthemum crests, the exterior of the lower front doors decorated with Kiyomizu Temple and the sides with thatched buildings in a landscape and different kacho-ga (bird-and-flower scenes) including butterflies hovering over irises, the top surface of the stepped base decorated with famous places including Byodoin Temple, Gojunoto (Five-Storey Pagoda), and Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, also fitted with two drawers, the sides of the base with chidori (plovers) skimming over foaming waves, the other narrow edges with repeated geometric motifs and fruiting vine, the underside of silver; unsigned.
Dimensions:
Height 23.5 cm, width 12 cm, depth 12 cm (9¼in x 4¾in x 4¾in).
Ref:
For a similar shrine of slightly larger size, see Bonhams London, Fine Japanese Art, 7 november 2019, lot 211.
Lit:
Another two comparative shrines of this quality and type are illustrated in Oliver Impey and Malcolm Fairley, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Japanese Art, Vol.II, Metalwork Part I, London, Kibo Foundation, 1995, cat. nos.33 and 35.
Condition report available on request.
Inv. No: MW63
