Sometimes when one is collecting and appreciates the artform they come upon a piece that is not what they would ever expect, but only dream of. This Meiji Period iron inlaid tea caddy Is one of those rarities. Created in the Koami tradition. The shape, design and quality of work is superb, rarely equalled. Craftsmanship of this quality is a lost art. With all of our technology today we are unable to re-create the inlay Nuome Zogan. The designs are impressive and elaborate, dragon, birds, flowers, chrysanthemums, and Temple are only the beginning. This miniature work of art not only stands out for its perfection, but it was also crafted by the master craftsman ASAI (from Kyoto). In this case, size is important - this miniature gem is only 4 1/4” high.
For A Similar Example Of A Tea Kettle (Tetsubin) Also By ASAI Of Kyoto Sold At Bonhams - November 6th, 2014, Sale #21949- Lot #362:
Lot 362
An inlaid iron tapered globular tetsubin (kettle) and cover
By Asai of Kyoto, Meiji Period
Sold for £92,500 (US$ 140,108) inc. premium
IRON AND OTHER SHAKUDO WORKS OF ART
Various Properties
An inlaid iron tapered globular tetsubin (kettle) and cover
By Asai of Kyoto, Meiji Period
Worked in slight silver and gold nunome-zogan with two elaborately lobed panels, one depicting the famous Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto and the other the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, all reserved on a ground of chrysanthemum crests and bird roundels floating on a fragmented key-fret ground, the neck with with a band of fruiting vine, the cover similarly decorated with chrysanthemum heads floating on a textile-weave ground and surmounted by a gourd-shaped finial; signed in a rectangular reserve Kyoto Asai seizo. 16cm (6¼in) high, excl. handle. (2).
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http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21949/lot/362/
