36 - A SUPERB MIXED-METAL-INLAID IRON ‘HOZUKI’ BRUSH HOLDER (FUDE-ZUTSU)

A SUPERB MIXED-METAL-INLAID IRON ‘HOZUKI’ BRUSH HOLDER (FUDE-ZUTSU) Japan, c. 1870s-1880s, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of cylindrical form, the finely textured iron ground superbly decorated in gold, shakudo, shibuichi, and suaka takazogan with naturalistic sprays of hozuki (lantern plant). The stems and serrated leaves are sensitively modeled and chased, while the pendant calyces are rendered at different stages of maturity, including one splitting open to reveal the rounded fruit within. The subtle contrasts of the various metals stand out dramatically against the dark iron surface, lending the composition exceptional depth and naturalism. HEIGHT 16.8 cm WEIGHT 1.1 kg Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and small areas of corrosion to the iron. The hozuki, or Japanese lantern plant, is a familiar seasonal motif associated with midsummer and the Bon Festival, when its bright, lantern-shaped calyces are traditionally used as offerings for the returning spirits of the ancestors. The plant is also celebrated at the famous Hozuki-ichi held each July at Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Particularly effective here is the depiction of the calyces in varying states, culminating in the opened husk revealing the fruit within, demonstrating the artist’s close observation of the plant through its natural cycle. Museum comparisons: Compare a related iron brush holder, fude-zutsu, dated early 1870s, 17.1 cm tall, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object no. 91.1.617. Compare a related iron hanging vase, dated second half of the 19th century, 19.7 cm tall, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object no. 91.1.488. Auction comparison: Compare a related mixed-metal-inlaid iron brush pot, signed Kazutoshi, dated late 19th century, 16.3 cm tall, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 March 2008, New York, lot 57 (sold for USD 13,750 or approx. EUR 19,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).