
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM

All auctions / Asian Art / A DIVISION ONE JAPANESE METAL WORKS PICTORIAL BUTTON

1 Medium size 19th century shaped example of a Japanese Couple. Here is a beautifully detailed and executed example of Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese metal works known as Shakudo. This example shows a romantic couple on a stroll. The Couple: A man and a woman dressed in traditional Edo-period attire. The man on the right holds an open umbrella aloft, shielding the woman, which often symbolizes protection, intimacy, or a secret rendezvous, OOOOH, a secret rendezvous. The Interaction: The woman on the left leans forward, gesturing toward a bundle or basket held between them. Notice the Tiny inlaid dragonflies (akitsu) hovering in the dark spaces between the figures. In Japanese culture, the dragonfly is a highly respected motif symbolizing courage, strength, and summer/early autumn. Dimensions: SM=Less than 3/4", Medium=3/4" to 1 1/4". Large=1 1/4" and above, extra large=1 3/4" and above Date or Era: DIVISION 1=PRE 1918 AND DIVISION 3 IS AFTER 1918 Condition Request Condition Report PLEASE NOTE: These buttons for the most part are antique and may have age related wear. We make every effort to point out any significant condition related concerns, but again they are antique and not new. We also cannot be responsible for replaced shanks or issues related to the backs of any buttons on multiple button cards as we do not remove these buttons to re-card them. Please contact us if you would like any further condition reports on any lot.
Estimate:£37.78
To the auctionView all items fromWhitley's AuctioneersorAsian Art
Estimate:
£37.78
Chinese School Pair of Antique Figural Wood Carved Corbel
10/12/2026
£246.69
Est: £46.06

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