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Japanese Antique Meiji Period Vesta Case by Fujii Yoshitoyo
$2,471.30
£1,800
€2,115.78
CA$3,426.56
A$3,684.98
CHF 1,970.37
MX$44,439.83
NOK 24,916.64
SEK 22,702.26
DKK 15,809.55
About the Item
DEPICTING A MYTHICAL HO-O PHOENIX
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Vesta Case by Fujii Yoshitoyo. The Vesta Case extensively decorated with gold flower borders depicting two larger panels, one with a large Ho-o 鳳凰 with trailing tail feathers and the manufactures signature to the bottom right hand corner and the second with birds amongst foliage and chrysanthemum (kiku) flowers. The signature on the bottom right hand corner depicts a version of Mount Fuji which is the mark of renowned metalworker Fujii Yoshitoyo and the vest case dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
FUJII YOSHITOYO
was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1868. Fourth generation metal worker of first rank. He devoted himself to learning about the damascene art and developing the already known techniques used by his family. He left home and moved to Tokyo to develop further and at the age of 35 in 1902 he obtained a patent for his new techniques from the imperial government. In 1909 a second patent was granted to him, he continued to develop his skills and was awarded multiple first class medals throughout his exhibitions and was fortunate enough to sell directly to the imperial household. At its highest point the Fujii factory employer over 200 people mainly exporting sought after objects to Europe and America. During this time he also had his works represented by the Mitsukoshi company. Unlike Komai who use the Zogan (inlay) technique Fujii uses mostly an etching technique on his works.
HO-O
Also referred to as Hoo 鳳凰 or Hou-ou, Ho-o, Hoo-oo, Phoenix in English, Feng 鳳 represents male phoenix, yang, solar Huang 凰 represents female phoenix. In Japan the mythical Phoenix was adopted as a symbol of the imperial household, particularly the empress. This mythical bird represents fire, the sun, justice, obedience, fidelity, and the southern star constellations. The Ho-o bird is a mythical creature in Japanese mythology, adapted from the Chinese Fenghuang. It is a majestic, radiant bird that symbolises peace, prosperity, and the arrival of a virtuous ruler. The Ho-o is often described as having the beak of a rooster, the face of a swallow, the neck of a snake, the back of a tortoise, and the tail of a peacock combining elements of several sacred animals. According to legend, it appears only in times of great harmony and vanishes during times of conflict or corruption. In Japanese art and culture, the Ho-o is often associated with the imperial family, especially the Empress, and is frequently seen in religious architecture, textiles, and lacquerware. It represents not only auspicious power but also the union of yin and yang, embodying balance and divine grace.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (KIKU)
The Kiku flower (Chrysanthemum) holds deep cultural and symbolic significance in Japan. It is considered a symbol of longevity, rejuvenation, and nobility. The Kiku has been associated with the Japanese imperial family for centuries, and the Chrysanthemum Throne is a poetic term for the monarchy itself. With its graceful petals and refined beauty, the flower represents purity and the autumn season. It is featured in festivals, such as the annual Chrysanthemum Festival (Kiku Matsuri), where people display carefully cultivated blooms. The Kiku is also used in family crests, official seals, and various forms of art, reflecting its long-standing role as an emblem of dignity and the refined spirit of Japanese tradition.
VESTA CASE
a small box that houses matches (strike anywhere matches). In England the containers took their name from the term Newton used for his invention, and they became known as “vesta cases”, “vesta boxes” or simply “vestas”. In America the more original term “match safes” was used.
MEIJI PERIOD
was an era of Japanese history that spanned from 1868 to 1912. It was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people began to build a paradigm of a modern, industrialised nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western countries and aesthetics. As a result of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound and it affected the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations across the board. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji and was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era.
Cultural Art during the Meiji Period was of particular interest to the government and they overhauled the art export market which in turn promoted Japanese arts via various world’s fairs, beginning in Vienna at the world fair in 1873. The government heavily funded the fairs and took an active role organising how Japan’s culture was presented to the world including creating a semi-public company named Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company). The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was used to promote and commercialise exports of Japanese art and established the Hakurankai Jimukyoku (Exhibition Bureau) to maintain quality standards. For the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japanese government created a Centennial Office and sent a special envoy to secure space for the 30,000 items that would be displayed. The Imperial Household also took an active interest in arts and crafts, commissioning works by select artists to be given as gifts for foreign dignitaries further emphasising the high quality and importance of Japanese art. Just before the end of the 19th century in 1890, the Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) system was created to recognise distinguished artists. These artists were selected for their exceptionally high quality wares and talent in their own industry. Over a period of 54 years Seventy artists were appointed, amongst these were ceramicist Makuzu Kozan and cloisonné enamel artist Namikawa Yasuyuki.
- Creator:Fujii Yoshitoyo (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 1.78 in (4.5 cm)Width: 1.3 in (3.3 cm)Depth: 0.28 in (7 mm)
- Style:Meiji (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1910
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Newark, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: KRDL1stDibs: LU6971245760652
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