Japanese shibayama inlaid pair of gold lacquer vases, late Meiji Period

Japanese shibayama pair of gold lacquer vases each finely inlaid in mother-of-pearl, ivory, coconut shell and coral with ikebana baskets and flowers design, applied with silver star shoulder bands and engraved motifs. The sides applied with silver bamboo handles and scrolled bamboo feet, late Meiji Period.

Ikebana 生け花 is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It was first introduced around the 6th century by Buddhist priests as offerings to honour Buddha. In the 14th century it became fashionable with the aristocracy to display ikebana arrangements in their homes. The spiritual aspect is considered very important to its practitioners, even the Samurai before going into battle would perform this art and believed that this connection with nature would purify their minds.

This object incorporates old ivory and has been registered with Defra

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance