174 - MASANOBU: A FINE PAIR OF ENAMELED SILVER AND SHIBAYAMA-INLAID VASES

MASANOBU: A FINE PAIR OF ENAMELED SILVER AND SHIBAYAMA-INLAID VASES By Masanobu, signed Masanobu Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each supported on four lobed bracket feet, the bulbous body rising to a slender neck with an elegantly flaring floriform rim. The feet, shoulders, and necks are richly embellished in vibrant polychrome cloisonné enamels with chrysanthemums, peonies, and other blossoms amid scrolling foliage. The silver bodies, flanked by finely cast dragon-form handles, are inset with lobed roiro lacquer panels exquisitely inlaid in the Shibayama style with mother-of-pearl, horn, bone, and coral, depicting birds amid luxuriant chrysanthemums and flowering peonies. Particularly noteworthy are the unusual deep black roiro lacquer grounds, a rare departure from the gold lacquer grounds typically employed in Shibayama work, providing a striking contrast to the iridescent inlays and brilliant enamels. Each signed to the underside within a rectangular gilt reserve MASANOBU. HEIGHT 22.8 cm (each) WEIGHT 416 g & 426 g Condition: Overall good condition and presenting well. Typical losses and repairs to inlays, minor wear to mounts, and some re-touching to the black-lacquered ground. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related pair of silver, cloisonné enamel, and Shibayama-inlaid vases, dated to the late 19th century, 27.9 cm high, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 September 2007, New York, lot 254 (sold for USD 10,000 or approx. EUR 14,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare also a related silver, mixed-metal, enamel, and Shibayama-inlaid pedestal bowl with dragon handles, dated circa 1900, 34.4 cm in diameter, at Sotheby's, Collections & Collectors, 28 April 2016, London, lot 267 (sold for GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 31,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Note the striking combination of gold lacquer Shibayama panels and a contrasting black ground, providing a particularly interesting visual comparison to the present vases with their rare black roiro lacquer panels.