14 - † SUGIURA GYOSO: AN IMPORTANT PAIR OF LARGE MIXED-METAL INLAID BRONZE 'SPARROWS AND BAMBOO' VASES

† SUGIURA GYOSO: AN IMPORTANT PAIR OF LARGE MIXED-METAL INLAID BRONZE 'SPARROWS AND BAMBOO' VASES By Sugiura Gyoso (1856-1901), signed Gyoso sen Japan, c. 1880, Meiji period (1868-1912) Expert's note: The present pair can be closely associated with the celebrated metalwork workshop of the Kiryu Kosho Kaisha, directed by Suzuki Chokichi. Its sophisticated casting and elaborate mixed-metal decoration correspond remarkably to documented works produced under Chokichi's supervision, including examples in the Khalili Collection. The signature Gyoso sen [chiseled by Gyoso] identifies Sugiura Gyoso as responsible for the intricate decoration, reflecting the workshop's practice of combining the talents of master bronze casters and specialist metalworkers. The close relationship to surviving company-marked works strongly suggests that the present vases were produced for the Kiryu Kosho Kaisha, almost certainly under Chokichi's direct supervision. Superbly cast, each vase of ovoid baluster form, the generously rounded shoulders rising to a stepped, splayed mouth with a broad, flat rim, the body supported on an elaborate integral pedestal resting on five butterfly-form feet. The shoulders applied with a pair of archaistic handles suspending loose rings and pendants, while the pierced foot is embellished with floral motifs. The lustrous, dark-brown patinated bronze ground is exquisitely decorated in high and flat relief with richly contrasting inlays of gold, silver, shakudo, shibuichi, and copper. The principal decoration depicts sparrows captured in animated flight amid slender bamboo stems and gracefully spreading foliage, their wings extended and bodies dynamically arranged as they dart through the branches. The birds are meticulously modeled in silver and contrasting alloys, their plumage individually chased with exceptionally fine detail, while the bamboo leaves shimmer in warm shades of gold, silver, copper, and reddish-brown. The reverse is similarly decorated with flowering nadeshiko (pinks, Dianthus superbus) and daisies, their delicate petals and foliage rendered in subtly varied metal tones. The carefully balanced compositions combine remarkable naturalism with a vivid sense of movement, particularly striking against the deep, almost black bronze ground. The mouth and foot are enriched with finely executed formal borders and gilt accents. Each vase signed GYOSO sen [chiseled by Gyoso]. HEIGHT 42.2 cm (each) WEIGHT 6.6 kg & 6.4 kg Provenance: Offered at Bonhams, Ancient Skills, New Worlds: Twenty Treasures of Japanese Metalwork from a Private Collection, 12 September 2018, New York, lot 1 (mid-estimate USD 60,000 or approx. EUR 71,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Condition: Excellent condition with minor expected wear. Two butterfly-form feet on one vase have been reinforced. Suzuki Chokichi (1848-1919) was one of the foremost Japanese bronze casters of the Meiji period and headed the metalwork department of the Kiryu Kosho Kaisha, overseeing the production of some of the most accomplished bronzes created for the international market. His exceptional reputation culminated in his appointment as an Artist to the Imperial Household in 1896. Sugiura Gyoso (1856-1901), also known as Sugiura Yukimune, was a highly skilled specialist in chiseled and inlaid metalwork, trained in the tradition of the Yokoya school of sword fittings. Like his elder brother Sugiura Yukinari, he contributed to the Company's prestigious metalwork commissions, later serving as an assistant professor at the Tokyo Art School. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related large bronze and mixed-metal vase by Sugiura Yukimune (Gyoso) for the Kiryu Kosho Kaisha, dated to the late 19th century, measuring 86 cm in height, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 September 2007, New York, lot 190 (sold for USD 85,000 or approx. EUR 122,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU. Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.