TOUNSAI MASAKATSU: A FINE ENAMELLED SILVER ‘HO-O NO KIRI’ BOTTLE VASE

拍品描述

TOUNSAI MASAKATSU: A FINE ENAMELLED SILVER ‘HO-O NO KIRI’ BOTTLE VASE By Tounsai Masakatsu, signed Tounsai Masakatsu koku Japan, Yokohama, c. 1890s, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely crafted, the globular body raised on a splayed foot terminating in three lobed supports and rising through a slender waisted neck to an everted trumpet-shaped mouth with a flat rim. The exterior is richly decorated in high relief with finely applied enamel accents in varying shades of blue, green, and yellow, enclosed within silver wire cloisons, depicting a large phoenix with majestic plumage amidst paulownia leaves, ferns, and luxuriant vegetal scrolls, while three circular reserves further enclose avian creatures, a pair of butterflies, and blooming peonies. The foot and neck are similarly embellished with additional floral motifs and insects delicately poised upon the surface. The underside incised with the inscription TOUNSAI MASAKATSU koku [engraved by Tounsai Masakatsu]. WEIGHT 232.1 g HEIGHT 20.8 cm Both the ho-o bird and the paulownia (kiri) tree are imperial symbols of Japan. According to legend, the ho-o, a bird similar to the phoenix that represents the eternal rebirth of the soul, only settles on the kiri tree. In the hope of attracting this auspicious bird that blesses people with wisdom, health and happiness, the trees are planted in courtyards and gardens. Auction comparison: Compare a related cloisonné enameled silver punch bowl, by Tounsai Masakatsu, Meiji period, dated c. 1890s, 21.2 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, Vienna, 5 December 2025, lot 14 (sold for EUR 9,100).

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