Width: 11cms
Height: 25cms
Depth: 11cms
Date: Circa 1910
£POA - What does POA mean?
Product Code: KPME148
Artist / Company: Komai
Simply put, POA stands for “Price on Application”.
With some of our pieces, we prefer not to openly publish our asking price. We absolutely welcome visitors to the website to contact us to enquire about the cost of such pieces.
We just prefer to have a conversation to allow us to explain the pricing as well as to talk in more detail about the piece in question.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a super expensive piece but it may just be that there is something unique or special that we would like to be able to tell you about in more detail.
Contact us to find out more.
From our collection of fine Japanese metalwork from the time of Emperor Meiji, (1868-1912) this wonderful miniature Iron Kodansu (box) in the form of a Shrine and overlaid with decorations of scenes of Shrines in a classical landscape.
The roof of the structure with powerful imagery of Dragons on the lower level and Phoenix on the Upper and the points of the roof adorned with small bells.
The lower sections of the building with pretty floral and foliate decoration. Doors open to reveal four miniature drawers all with decoration of Cranes, Butterflies and Iris. The upper portion also conceals two more miniature drawers and the stairs at the base slide out revealing another hidden compartment.
Signed Komai to the underside with the iconic Dragonfly mark and offered in very good condition as shown in the photographs. Please feel free to contact us for additional images, video or to arrange a viewing in person.
Click on the video below to see a slide-show of photographs of this wonderful piece:
Dragon
Dragons are hugely significant in Asian culture. Known as the Ryu or Tatsu in Japan, they are closely related to the Chinese Long and Korean Yong. Like all Asian dragons they lack wings and are serpent-like in form. The Japanese dragons rarely fly and usually reside in or near the sea and other bodies of water.
Japanese dragons have positive symbolism. They are good and represent wisdom, generosity and they are portrayed as using their powers to help mankind. (Unlike the Dragons of Western mythology.)
Generally you can tell a Chinese dragon from a Japanese by counting the toes, a Chinese having four or five and a Japanese having three.
Phoenix
The phoenix is a powerful symbol in Japan, used to represent the Empress. When used to decorate an object or house it symbolises the loyalty and honesty of the people that live there, traditionally a phoenix only stays when a ruler is without corruption.
Iris
In Japan the Iris (Ayme) represents courage and good news. Its sword-shaped leaves symbolise a warrior’s spirit, making it a popular gift for individuals facing challenges or starting new ventures.
Damascene (Zougan)
Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals into one another, typically gold or silver into a darker oxidised background. The name comes from the resemblance to damask silk embroideries.
Komai
Komai was a workshop in Japan known for their fine damascene work. Before the Meiji period they specialized in decorative sword fittings, after the carrying of swords was outlawed they turned their hand to creating artworks and goods to appeal to the export market.
Kodansu
A small Japanese chest used to store personal items, they are often made of lacquer or a mixture of metals and are highly decorated.
We completely understand that purchasing art and antiques online is a relatively new concept to many people, so our team will be very happy to provide additional information and support along the way.
We are members of BADA, LAPADA and CINOA, working closely with these associations and we are very proud of our reputation as one of the most established, valued and trusted dealers of Japanese and Chinese Art and Antiques in the industry.
Our galleries in Islington are open Monday through to Saturday (from 1030 to 1630) by appointment only. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
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