Exquisite Japanese Metalwork – A Testament to Meiji Craftsmanship
Our collection of Japanese metalwork represents one of the most refined forms of decorative art from the Meiji period (1868–1912). Known for its technical brilliance and artistic detail, Japanese metalwork blends traditional techniques with expressive form, elevating materials such as bronze, shakudō, shibuichi and silver into objects of striking beauty and cultural significance.
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Yamaguchi Kazuteru (born 1876)
A silver vase of baluster form, worked in relief with ducks on a rocky outcrop on the banks of a fast flowing river or in flight overhead.
Meiji period, circa 1900
Maruki Company
A bronze okimono in the form of three delicately modelled egrets with rock crystal ball
Meiji Period, circa 1900
Hosoya Reiko and Hidemitsu
Large bronze jardinière with two dragons amongst clouds,
Takemura Tatsutaro
Bronze Koro (incense burner) and cover
SOLD Genryusai Seiya
A bronze group of five Bactrian camels
Signed Genryusai Seiya Sei
Meiji period, circa 1890
SOLD Ichioka Shiun
A large sentoku study of a carp in swimming motion, naturalistically modelled resting on its four fins, the eyes inlaid in shakudo, shibuichi and gold.
Late Meiji period, circa 1910
Atsuyoshi for the Inoue company
An inlaid bronze vase, the slender body carved and inlaid in relief with pine trees above a torii gate
Meiji period, circa 1900
Yamaguchi Hidemitsu
An inlaid russet iron box, the cover inlaid in silver and gold with five geese in flight, with a silver lined interior decorated with a partially cloud-obscured moon.
Taisho period, circa 1920
Sekiguchi Ichiya
An inlaid shibuichi and silver box, the cover worked in katakiri-bori depicting The Three Laughers
Seiki Yoshitaka-sen
A fine shibuichi kogo, delicately carved with Shoki, his eyes inlaid in gold and his sword blade in silver.
Meiji period, circa 1900
Nogawa Workshop
An inlaid bronze vase and stand of ovoid form with six bracket handles on the shoulder. Six shibuichi panels finely inlaid in silver, gold, copper and shakudo
Signed with seal of the Nogawa Company
Meiji period, circa 1900
Myochin Muneyoshi
An articulated copper study of a crayfish, fully jointed and with the details finely worked, the eyes of shakudo.
Signed Muneyoshi
Meiji period, circa 1910
Nobaru, Nogawa
A pair of inlaid bronze vases each of baluster form, finely worked in gold, silver, copper, shakudo and shibuichi with rural views
Signed with the Nogawa seal
Meiji Period, circa 1890
Shiotsu Chikatsugu
A copper kogo (incense box) and cover of circular form, finely carved in katakiri-bori with a flowering lotus, the bud inlaid in silver.
Dated 1916
Hasegawa Issei
An inlaid silver box, the cover worked in relief with a monkey being attacked by two wasps, persimmons lying on the ground.
Meiji Period, circa 1900
The Legacy of Meiji Period Metal Artists
The Meiji period marked a turning point in Japanese metalwork, as artists began creating pieces for both domestic appreciation and international exhibitions. Works from this era often feature extraordinary surface decoration, naturalistic motifs and a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Our gallery is proud to showcase rare examples from this golden age of craftsmanship.
Mastery in Materials and Techniques
The pieces in our Japanese metalwork collection are selected for their exceptional quality and condition. Many feature intricate relief carving, inlay work and patination that reflect the high level of mastery associated with Meiji period artisans. From ornate vases to detailed animal and figural groups, each item exemplifies the finesse of true Japanese artistry.
A Curated Selection for the Discerning Collector
At Malcolm Fairley, we offer Japanese metalwork of museum-quality. These objects, once prized at international expositions and world’s fairs, now form an important part of many private and institutional collections. Each piece is sourced with integrity, thoroughly researched and accompanied by full provenance details.
Why Collect Japanese Metalwork?
To collect Japanese metalwork is to engage with an art form that speaks to the harmony between nature, symbolism and technical innovation. These works transcend mere decoration, they are sculptural expressions of a uniquely Japanese cultural vision. As collectors increasingly recognise the value of this genre, interest in Meiji metalwork continues to grow.
Visit Our Central London Gallery
Our gallery in St. James’s, Central London, remains a leading destination for collectors of Japanese metalwork. Whether you are seeking to acquire your first piece or to expand a significant collection, we invite you to explore this category online or arrange a private appointment with us.