$65.08
$91.11
Description MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) From our Japanese collection we are delighted to offer this Japanese Bronze and Mixed Metals Box. This Japanese bronze and mixed metals box was made in Kyoto by Inoue during the Meiji period, around 1890. The box features a quatrefoil form with gently rounded sides and is raised on four ruyi-shaped feet. The lid presents a lively scene of Karako 唐子 (children playing) inlaid with gold, silver, and shakudo. Three boys are shown in a moment of play, one holds a turtle by a string, another kneels beside a form of early aquaterrarium with four more turtles, and a third is shown scooping goldfish with a net. The scene is bordered by a fine diaper-pattern ground that continues the level of surface detail. The underside is signed Saikyo Inoue zo (made by Inoue of West Kyoto), confirming its renowned manufacture Inoue of Kyoto. This box combines traditional Japanese metalworking techniques with subject matter that reflects daily life and seasonal play during the late 19th century. Inoue The Inoue workshop was renowned for producing high-quality bronze and mixed-metal objects, including vases, dishes, and okimono, often decorated with intricate designs of birds, flowers, dragons, and waves in gold, silver, and shakudō. Their work reflects the quality and innovation of the Meiji era, a period that saw both a revival of traditional Japanese crafts and growing demand from Western collectors, with many pieces created specifically for export to Europe and America. The workshop’s creations are distinguished by their characteristic signature, frequently inscribed with the characters Kyōto Inoue sei (京都井上製) or Inoue zo (井上造), translating as “Manufactured by Inoue of Kyoto” or “Made by Inoue of Kyoto.” For further information please see our makers and retailers page on The Inoue Company. Karako 唐子 Karako refers to Chinese-style children, usually boys, shown in playful or lively scenes. In Japanese art, the Karako-asobi (唐子遊び) or “children playing” motif became especially popular. It typically depicts groups of children engaged in games, festivals, or everyday activities such as flying kites, chasing butterflies, playing with toys, or dancing. Bronze Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today. For further information please see our article on bronze Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques. SHAKUDO 赤銅 is a traditional Japanese alloy made primarily of copper with a small amount of gold, usually around 4–7%. What makes it special isn’t just the metal itself, but the way it’s treated. Through a patination process using a special solution called rokusho, the surface turns a deep, velvety black or dark blue-black. This rich colour was especially prized by swordsmiths and metalworkers for use on sword fittings, ornaments, and inlaid details. Shakudo was often paired with gold, silver, or other alloys in fine inlay work, creating a striking contrast that highlighted both texture and technique. MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art. For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation. Measurements 5.5cm High x 13.5cm Wide x 11cm Deep Condition Excellent antique condition With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.
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