16 - † HIROKATSU: A SUPERB PAIR OF LARGE MIXED-METAL INLAID SILVER ‘CRANES’ VASES

† HIROKATSU: A SUPERB PAIR OF LARGE MIXED-METAL INLAID SILVER ‘CRANES’ VASES By Hirokatsu, signed Hirokatsu koku Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly worked in pure silver, each of elegant ovoid form with gently rounded shoulders rising to a short neck and subtly everted rim. The lustrous silver surfaces are exquisitely embellished in gold and shakudo takazogan with cranes in graceful flight, their slender, outstretched necks, trailing legs, and elegantly extended wings rendered with remarkable naturalism. The plumage is meticulously detailed with finely chased feathers. One vase depicts a pair of cranes soaring beneath a brilliant golden celestial sun, while the companion is decorated with three cranes in flight, their wings captured in subtly varied positions, creating a striking sense of movement and harmony. The finely balanced compositions are beautifully set against the expansive, unadorned silver grounds, emphasizing the refinement of the metalwork. Each vase is incised to the side HIROKATSU koku [carved by Hirokatsu], the bases stamped jungin [pure silver]. HEIGHT 30.5 cm (each) WEIGHT 1.36 kg & 1.44 kg Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and few minor light scratches. Auction comparison: Compare a related pair of silver vases with herons in gold and copper relief, by Bokusui and Toshiyuki for Miyamoto, dated to the Meiji period, 30.3 cm high, at Christie's, Japanese Craftsmanship: Art of the Meiji Period, 23 July 2015, London, lot 89 (sold for GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 31,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.