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A Pair Of Soft-metal-inlaid Silver Vases With Geese And Reed — TAISHO PERIOD (20TH CENTURY), ON BODY ONE SIGNED KAGAKU GA AND SEALED SHUNMIN , THE OTHER SIGNED SHUNMIN KOKU AND SEALED KAGAKU (DESIGNED BY MURAKAMI KAGAKU; 1888-1939; CARVED BY FUNAKOSHI SHUNMIN; 1868-1940), ON BASE SEALED KOSHI AND JUNGIN (PURE SILVER)

A Pair Of Soft-metal-inlaid Silver Vases With Geese And Reed

TAISHO PERIOD (20TH CENTURY), ON BODY ONE SIGNED KAGAKU GA AND SEALED SHUNMIN , THE OTHER SIGNED SHUNMIN KOKU AND SEALED KAGAKU (DESIGNED BY MURAKAMI KAGAKU; 1888-1939; CARVED BY FUNAKOSHI SHUNMIN; 1868-1940), ON BASE SEALED KOSHI AND JUNGIN (PURE SILVER)

This pair of silver vases from the Taisho period exemplifies the sophisticated collaboration between designer Murakami Kagaku and carver Funakoshi Shunmin, two master craftsmen of early twentieth century Japan. The vessels feature soft metal inlays depicting geese and reeds, combining metalworking techniques with naturalistic subject matter that reflects the period's interest in refined decorative arts. The reciprocal signatures and seals on each vase document the collaborative creative process, while the pure silver base marks the works as luxury objects of the highest quality.

🔨 Auction Lot

Japanese and Korean Art

March 24, 2026

Estimate: $4,000$6,000

Lot 51

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About this work

A Pair Of Soft-metal-inlaid Silver Vases With Geese And Reed, TAISHO PERIOD (20TH CENTURY), ON BODY ONE SIGNED KAGAKU GA AND SEALED SHUNMIN , THE OTHER SIGNED SHUNMIN KOKU AND SEALED KAGAKU (DESIGNED BY MURAKAMI KAGAKU; 1888-1939; CARVED BY FUNAKOSHI SHUNMIN; 1868-1940), ON BASE SEALED KOSHI AND JUNGIN (PURE SILVER)

This pair of silver vases from the Taisho period exemplifies the sophisticated collaboration between designer Murakami Kagaku and carver Funakoshi Shunmin, two master craftsmen of early twentieth century Japan. The vessels feature soft metal inlays depicting geese and reeds, combining metalworking techniques with naturalistic subject matter that reflects the period's interest in refined decorative arts. The reciprocal signatures and seals on each vase document the collaborative creative process, while the pure silver base marks the works as luxury objects of the highest quality.

Seen at
Christie's, London, United Kingdom

Related themes

geese and reeds, Naturalistic, 20th Century, Vase Pair, Japanese, silver vessels, Metalwork, Decorative Arts, Taisho Period, soft-metal inlay