ANTIQUE 20thC JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD SOLID SILVER BOWL c.1900

Antique 20th Century Japanese Meiji period double skinned solid silver bowl. The surface of the bowl is enveloped with an intricate high relief water dragon, typical of the period, complete with applied flowing whiskers soldered around the body and a hand hammered background, which is matted to render it dull and enhance the depth of the piece.

After 250 years of isolation, the invasion of Japanese territorial waters by the US Navy in 1853 forced Japan to accept diplomatic relations and re-establish trade with the West. Subsequently, the demand for Oriental pieces surged. The abolition of the Samurai class and the 1873 ban on wearing swords meant that former samurai and armour smiths had no choice but to redirect their metalwork skills into luxury export. The utilisation of the expert skill and technical ability, as well as the widespread exchange of designs and practicalities within the artist community, led to the creation of striking objects such as this. Still to this day, such items are highly revered and sought after.

The base is hallmarked Japanese silver (950+ high grade silver), used primarily during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Reference Number: PD12812