Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: JAP1119-145 A VERY LARGE AND SPECTACULAR INLAID AND LACQUERED IVORY FAN WITH SHICHIFUKUJIN Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The large fan consists of twenty-four leaves and masterfully lacquered in takamaki-e and inlaid on one side with an animated scene of the seven lucky gods (Shichifukujin). From left to right: Hotei is seated next to his treasure bag and exclaiming as he places his hand on his head, Jurojin is next to him playing the flute, Benten is seated playing the biwa, Bishamonten is next to her holding up a miniature stupa, Fukurukoju is dancing, Ebisu is seated holding up a sakazuki (sake cup) and Daikoku is seated below him next to a rice bale and holding his hammer. The center shows food offerings including a mother of pearl tai (sea bream), above a table with a vase lacquered in magnificent seido-nuri (imitating bronze) next to a scholar’s rock. The vase is filled with ornately blossoming flowers. The inlays are of stained ivory, horn, mother-of-pearl and coral. The reverse shows a lacquered scene of quails amidst a stream below many flowers, leaves and grasses. The guard is decorated with a scene of two boys on one side and lacquered and inlaid leaves and grasses below a descending goose. The fan is held together by a silver fitting with a tasseled cord attached to it and mounted with a thick ivory and Shibayama inlaid ojime. MAXIMUM SPAN 64 cm Condition: Superb condition with only very minor wear to lacquer. Provenance: British collection. Not only are fans of this quality and size incredibly rare, but the motif of Shichifukujin is even rarer. Schätzpreis 估價: € 10.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 5.000 -