A gold-lacquer, silver, cloisonné-enamel and inlaid Shibayama hexagonal vase


By Mitsuyuki, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryThe silver body inset with six lobed gold-lacquer panels edged in silver each depicting a different bird among seasonal plants and flowers, alternating with ikebana displays executed in Shibayama-style encrustations, the shoulder with another six gold-lacquer panels enclosing mainly cranes in flight, the six corners of the shoulder applied with six silver mythological beasts suspended with loose ring handles, the cover, neck and elaborate splayed foot embellished with formal floral motifs in coloured enamel, the cover surmounted with a silver finial in the form of a peacock and hen perched on rocks; signed on the base Mitsuyuki koku within a gold-lacquer rectangular reserve. 32.2cm (12 5/8in) high. (4).