Watanabe - Box - Argento Jungin pure silver (950/ooo) - Ancient Japanese

Beautiful antique Japanese kōgō in silver Jungin 純銀 (950/ooo) dating from the Meiji period (1868–1912), signed in tenshō calligraphy 'Watanabe zō' 渡辺造 and featuring an impressive double-wall construction and refined embossed work. The rounded body and domed lid are entirely covered by a delicate tsuchime finish, obtained by manually hammering the surface, which creates that texture characteristic of high-quality Japanese silverwork. The surface is richly decorated with plum blossoms (ume, 梅) and leaves, finely modeled in high-relief sculpture and developed on both the body and the domed lid. On the bottom there are several Japanese marks, including a fan-shaped cartouche with the inscription 純銀 (Jungin), meaning “pure silver.” This is an uncommon mark form, documented on select high-quality Japanese silverware of the period. The other inscriptions are written in tenshō characters, a form of seal script. One vertical inscription bears 純銀製 (Jungin-sei), “made in pure silver.” The other inscription is Watanabe zō 渡辺造, one of the variants of the marks of the silversmith Watanabe. The double-wall construction is an important technical element, giving the kōgō notable heft and thickness. Kōgō are incense containers used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu). This type of construction, paired with finely hammered surfaces and high-relief floral decorations, is well documented in Meiji-era high-quality Japanese silverware produced by leading silversmiths. Diameter: about 10 cm Height: 7 cm Weight: about 194 g Excellent period condition, with no significant dents. The lid, handmade, closes securely when properly aligned. I ship only with express courier (UPS/DHL/FEDEX)

Estimate:£670.82

View all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art