35 - A FINE GOLD-DAMASCENED BRONZE KOMAI-STYLE ‘DRAGON AND TAMA’ VASE

A FINE GOLD-DAMASCENED BRONZE KOMAI-STYLE ‘DRAGON AND TAMA’ VASE Marked Fuku Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Elegantly formed, the pear-shaped body supported on a short circular foot and rising to a remarkably slender, gently waisted neck terminating in a flared trumpet-shaped mouth. The bronze finely decorated in intricate gold nunome-zogan, the surface densely covered with a rich profusion of chrysanthemum blossoms and scrolling foliage, meticulously rendered in minute detail. The bulbous body is encircled by a broad, shaped decorative band enclosing a magnificent sinuous dragon writhing amid swirling clouds in pursuit of a tama (sacred jewel). The mythical creature is finely detailed with overlapping scales, a fierce horned head, flowing whiskers, and powerful clawed limbs, its brilliant gold decoration contrasting dramatically with the dark ground. The mouth and foot are further embellished with finely patterned borders, the latter with overlapping seigaiha waves. The base bears the mark FUKU [Good Fortune] within a fan-shaped reserve. HEIGHT 18.5 cm WEIGHT 173 g Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. The exquisite gold damascening of the present vase is characteristic of the celebrated Komai style, perfected in Kyoto during the Meiji period. Executed in the intricate nunome-zogan technique, in which thin gold foil is hammered into a finely crosshatched metal surface, the decoration demonstrates remarkable precision and refinement. Although particularly renowned for its iron wares, the Komai workshop also produced works in bronze and other copper alloys. The distinctive fan-shaped Fuku (‘Good Fortune’) mark is also found on other finely damascened Komai-style metalwares of the period. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related inlaid iron vase depicting a phoenix, by the Komai Company of Kyoto, 19 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 5 November 2020, London, lot 277 (sold for GBP 6,312 or approx. EUR 10,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).