JOSEI: A FINE AND LARGE INLAID BRONZE ‘GAGAKU’ VASE

拍品描述

JOSEI: A FINE AND LARGE INLAID BRONZE ‘GAGAKU’ VASE By Josei, signed Josei Japan, early 20th century, Meiji (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926) Of baluster form, supported on a straight ring foot, rising to broad shoulders and an everted mouth. The body is decorated with a large dadaiko drum, its central medallion finely inlaid and enhanced with polychrome patination to depict dragons amidst scrolling clouds surrounding a tomoe motif, surmounted by stylized flames. Below is a gilt and lacquered Ranryo-o mask with an open mouth, bulging eyes, and prominent nose. Signed underneath JOSEI. HEIGHT 31 cm WEIGHT 3,390 g Although the artist Josei is unrecorded, he likely studied under the great metal master Oshima Joun (1858-1948), inheriting his character Jo 如. The objects depicted on the vase are those used in gagaku and its associated dance form bugaku, the ancient ceremonial music and court dance of Japan. Gagaku ensembles include wind instruments such as the dadaiko (drum), sho (vertical mouth organ), hichiriki (double‑reed flute), and kagurabue (a transverse flute), as well as stringed and percussive elements, all of which accompanied elegant processional and dance repertory performed at the imperial court and at Shinto and Buddhist rituals. Bugaku refers more specifically to the masked and costumed dances performed to gagaku music, where each instrument plays an integral role in the intricate rhythms and timbres essential to the performance.

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