Japanese silver shibayama koro signed Naritsugu late Meiji period

Japanese silver shibayama koro inset with kinji gold lacquer panels finely inlaid in mother-of-pearl with cranes, cherry blossoms, butterflies and hanging flower baskets. Applied with silver mounts and translucent enamels with floral scroll motifs. 

The sides applied with enamel butterflies handles and the domed cover with a chrysanthemum finial signed in a rectangular plaque Naritsugu 成次, late Meiji period (1868-1912).

The butterfly (chouchou 蝶々) is a symbol of summer, renewal and rebirth.

Shibayama 芝山象嵌細工 is the term used to describe the mosaic-like inlay technique used to decorate Japanese objects such as vases, inro, dishes, incense burners, cabinets and panels.

Kinji 金地 a lacquer ground with sprinkled gold powder, which has been polished to a high gloss finish.

Reference: ‘The Golden Age of Japanese Okimono: The Dr. Kanter Collection', by Laura Bordignon, ACC Woodbridge 2010, Shibayama pp.268-269.

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