19 - † KOMIN AND MEIKOKU FOR THE NOGAWA COMPANY: A MASTERFUL INLAID SHAKUDO BOX AND COVER DEPICTING EGUCHI NO KIMI AS A MANIFESTATION OF FUGEN BOSATSU

† KOMIN AND MEIKOKU FOR THE NOGAWA COMPANY: A MASTERFUL INLAID SHAKUDO BOX AND COVER DEPICTING EGUCHI NO KIMI AS A MANIFESTATION OF FUGEN BOSATSU By Komin and Meikoku for the Nogawa Company, with the Nogawa Company mark, signed Komin with kakihan and Meikoku (Akikuni) with the seal Minkoku Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of rectangular form with gently rounded corners, the lustrous, polished shakudo migakiji ground exquisitely decorated in gold, silver, and iro-e takazogan. The cover depicts Eguchi no Kimi as a manifestation of Fugen Bosatsu, elegantly seated upon a reclining elephant, absorbed in reading a handscroll. The majestic animal is superbly rendered in high relief, the carefully chased details heightened by the contrasting tones of the various metals. Beside the elephant rests a small stand supporting a censer, from which slender wisps of smoke rise, and a small box. The composition is arranged with remarkable restraint against the lustrous dark ground, emphasizing the sculptural quality and subtle coloring of the inlaid figures. The sides are similarly embellished with dragonflies hovering among lotus leaves, blossoms, and slender stems, delicately worked in contrasting gold, silver, and reddish copper, their intricate details finely incised. The base is signed KOMIN with kakihan and MEIKOKU, with the seal MINKOKU, beside the mark of the Nogawa Company. SIZE 12 x 8.7 x 4.7 cm WEIGHT 500 g Condition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear. The exquisite decoration illustrates the celebrated legend of Eguchi no Kimi, a 12th-century courtesan who encountered the wandering Buddhist monk and poet Saigyo (1118-1190). According to the story, Saigyo sought shelter at her establishment but was refused, prompting an exchange of poems concerning worldly attachment and the impermanence of earthly existence. The courtesan was subsequently revealed to be a manifestation of Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra), the bodhisattva traditionally depicted riding a white elephant. The legend became the subject of the classical Noh play Eguchi and was frequently represented in Japanese painting and decorative arts. By presenting the courtesan in the guise of the enlightened bodhisattva, the composition conveys the Buddhist teaching that outward appearances are deceptive and that spiritual enlightenment may manifest in the most unexpected forms. The Nogawa Company, established in Kyoto during the 19th century, was among the distinguished producers and retailers of fine Japanese metalwork during the Meiji period. Employing highly accomplished craftsmen, the company became celebrated for its sophisticated use of mixed-metal inlay, combining gold, silver, shakudo, and other copper alloys to create richly detailed compositions. The present box exemplifies this tradition, combining exceptional metalworking with a refined literary and Buddhist subject. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.