" Meiji metalwork", Kaga zougan

 

Hou-ou, Chinese Phoenix.

  This is a Kaga-zougan which is the traditional industry of Ishilkawa prefecture.Its history has more than 500 years.Firstly they chased against samurai armors and swords during Edo period.And the later era Kaga-zougan was produced to export to Europe as a gorgeous art.

  The pic seemed to be ordered from the noble Maeda family the governer of Ishikawa in Meiji era, or Maeda family about more than 150 years ago.  

  In Japan or China "Phoenix" and "Rabbit & Moon" are the symbol of Emperor.

  Phoenix is the symbol of "Peace" and the sign of the appearance of "virtuous Emperor".

  This is the cloth wrapper with the emblem of Maeda family, the noble in Meiji period.Maybe, at the later period people wrapped it to inform that this was for Maeda family

  

  There is no name of the artisan. This is an old rule in Japan when the artisan presented to Emperor or Noble.

  The metal industrial arts during Meiji era, the including "Kaga-zougan", is the top level skills in the world.

 

  This Kanji character means the producer's name,''8th Mizuno Genroku''. He was the top producer and the manager of Kaga-zougan company at the first age of Meiji era.

 Maybe this vase is the high possibility to list the 1st exposion in Japan, in 1874 A.C., during Meiji era. Meiji Emperor and Royal familly attend this big meeting.

This character means that the sand vase with Phoenix design Kaga-zougan made of Gold and Silver metal.

  At the antique shop in the center of London Japanese metal industry arts still has a good reputation and very expensive arts.

This book written by Senior Curator, Ashmolean Museum; Reader in Japanese Art, University of Oxford.

I hope that a new year is good for you.

If you, jouralists or museum curators, are interested in this article, please contact to me.

Yours Sincerely

Makoto Uehara