This volume introduces 161 examples from the greatest group of Meiji-period masterpieces in metal ever assembled, decorated in an astonishing variety of virtuoso techniques and drawing on a vast store of subject matter derived from Chinese and Japanese history, legend, and religion.
It includes a vast and hitherto unknown bronze incense-burner by Suzuki Chokichi (1848–1919), an exquisitely decorated elephant incense-burner by Shoami Katsuyoshi (1832–1908), a large group of iron pieces decorated in gold by the Komai family of Kyoto, and ornaments commissioned from leading artists by the Ozeki company.
Kano Natsuo (1828–98), the outstanding decorative metalworker of 19th-century Japan, is represented by a table-screen in shibuichi, and there is another screen of Shoki the demonqueller, by his great contemporary Unno Shomin (1844–1915).
The sculptural highlight of the entire Collection is a group by Otake Norikuni (b. 1852) representing the deity Susanoo no Mikoto receiving the sacred jewel.
The late Dr Oliver Impey – Senior Curator, Ashmolean Museum; Reader in Japanese Art, University of Oxford
Malcolm Fairley – Formerly of Sotheby’s and Barry Davies Oriental Art; now co-owner of the Asian Art Gallery, London
Victor Harris – Former Keeper of the Department of Japanese antiquities at the British Museum, London
Set of two parts; 500 pages; fully illustrated in colour; 40 x 30 cm; hardback with slipcase; 1995; ISBN: 978-1-874780-02-1
