40 - † MIZUNO GENROKU IX: A FINE MIXED-METAL INLAID SHIBUICHI ‘KIRIN’ KORO (INCENSE BURNER)

† MIZUNO GENROKU IX: A FINE MIXED-METAL INLAID SHIBUICHI ‘KIRIN’ KORO (INCENSE BURNER) By Mizuno Genroku IX (1868-1938), sealed Genroku Japan, early 20 th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Masterfully cast in shibuichi (oborogin), the boat-shaped body supported on three elegantly splayed legs terminating in scrolling feet, the sides rising into broad, dramatically upswept handles, each issuing from a finely modeled beast mask suspending a loose ring. The lustrous, dark silver-gray surface exquisitely decorated in gold and silver Kaga zogan (metal inlay) with intricate archaistic scrollwork, interlocking geometric patterns, and stylized taotie masks. The domed cover is similarly embellished with alternating floral medallions and angular key-fret motifs, surmounted by a magnificent kirin, the mythical beast seated majestically with its long, elegantly arched neck rising to a fierce head with bulging eyes, pointed ears, prominent horn, and wide-open mouth revealing sharp teeth. Its muscular body is finely modeled with delicately incised details, the powerful haunches resting on the cover and the long, flame-like tail curling upward in elaborate scrolls. The circular base of the finial is encircled by a finely inlaid geometric border. The underside with a square gold-inlaid seal GENROKU. LENGTH 19 cm, HEIGHT 26.5 cm WEIGHT 1,744 g Condition: Excellent condition. With a wood tomobako (storage box) inscribed to the front oborogin sei, Kaga zogan, Kirin futa, Funagata koro, 朧銀製 加賀象嵌 麒麟蓋 舟形香爐 [Boat-shaped incense burner made of shibuichi (oborogin), decorated with Kaga-style metal inlay and surmounted by a kirin-form cover], and to the interior Kaga kinko soke Kyudaime sei Mizuno Genroku, 加賀金工宗家 九代目製 水野源六 [Made by Mizuno Genroku, ninth-generation head of the Kaga metalworking lineage]. Mizuno Genroku IX (Mitsuyoshi, 1868-1938) was a distinguished metalworker of Kanazawa and the ninth-generation head of the Mizuno Genroku family, a celebrated lineage of silversmiths who had served the Maeda lords of Kaga since the early seventeenth century. Initially trained in painting at the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting, he subsequently taught drawing before turning to metal inlay in 1888, succeeding as head of the family workshop in 1895. Specializing in the intricate gold and silver inlay characteristic of Kaga metalwork, he also experimented with copper alloys and innovative decorative techniques. In 1900, he was commissioned by the city of Kanazawa to produce a precious-metal sculpture of mandarin ducks as a wedding gift for Crown Prince Yoshihito, the future Emperor Taisho, and subsequently supplied numerous works to the Imperial Household. Museum comparison: Compare a related brass vase with gold and silver inlay depicting cranes amid reeds by the same artist, dated 1910, in the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, collection no. SZK001111. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.