A Pair Of Gold-inlaid Silver Vases Of Suma Akashi
MEIJI-TAISHO PERIOD (EARLY 20TH CENTURY), ONE SIGNED KAGAWA KATSUHIRO SAKU AND SEALED HIRO , THE OTHER SIGNED TODAI NIDE KAGAWA KATSUHIRO KOKU AND SEALED KATSUHIRO (KAGAWA KATSUHIRO; 1853-1917)
These two exquisite silver vases from the Meiji-Taisho period represent the sophisticated metalwork tradition of early 20th-century Japan, created by the renowned artisan Kagawa Katsuhiro (1853-1917). The paired vessels feature delicate gold inlay work depicting scenes from Suma and Akashi, locations celebrated in classical Japanese literature and art, demonstrating the maker's mastery of the precious metal inlay technique known as zogan. Each vase bears Kagawa's signature and seal, affirming their authenticity and underscoring the artist's prominence in the Japanese decorative arts during this period of modernization and cultural refinement.
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Christie's
Notes
LOT ESSAY An Edo (later Tokyo) native, Katsuhiro apprenticed as a boy to a carver of Noh masks before studying drawing under Shibata Zeshin and metalworking under Nomura Katsumori and the eminent Kano Natsuo. A frequent participant in national and international exhibitions, he was appointed a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1903. Like his mentor Natsuo, Katsuhiro joined the elite membership of Teishitsu Gigein (Artists to the Imperial Household) in 1906, insuring him important commissions, exposure and recognition. Katsuhiro is known as a master of katakiri-bori technique (sculpting with oblique cuts of the chisel in simulation of brush strokes) showing extremely delicate lines and graceful figures on this work.
🔨 Auction Lot
Japanese and Korean Art
March 24, 2026
Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000
Lot 53
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