Late 19th century, Meiji period. Workshop of Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1925), a very large octagonal covered vessel, possibly used as a koro censer, on four feet, with four handles, domed octagonal lid with copper bird finial. Very intricate cloisonn� worked in silver wire and filled with polychrome enamels to depict dragons and phoenixes, alternating around the shoulder, as well as on lappet panels around the belly, topped with a band of chrysanthemum meander. Chrysanthemums alternate with butterflies around the lower half of the body, and the foot ring is decorated with a floral lattice pattern. The four feet and handles are decorated with chrysanthemums. The eight sides of the lid feature the four directional animals consisting of the bird, dragon, tiger, and dark warrior (turtle entwined with snake), alternating above an interlocking cloud scroll band and below a band of floral meander and two dragons. The lid with a bird finial with raised wings perched on a leafy branch. Interior lined with a copper octagonal insert. Unmarked copper base. Approx. 14 by 17 in., 35.5 by 43.5 cm.

Bidding History