JOMI EISUKE II: A MASTERFUL SILVER OKIMONO OF A CHIN PUPPY WITH DRUM By Jomi Eisuke II (1839-1900), sealed Jomi Eisuke Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly cast as a Chin puppy sitting obediently with one paw slightly raised and resting on a shakudo den-den daiko drum decorated with silver, gold, and copper inlays and showing a mitsudomo-e symbol, the dog`s piebald fur ingenuously highlighted with shakudo inlays, its gold-inlaid collar well carved and tied with a copper-inlaid bow at the back of its neck. The underside cast with a gold seal JOMI EISUKE within a circular reserve. With an associated gold-lacquered wood stand supported on four feet and finely decorated with foliate scroll, dating from the same period. LENGTH 13.2 cm WEIGHT 654 g (excl. stand) Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. The wood stand with some wear, nicks, and old repairs to feet. The Japanese Chin , also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is a dog acknowledged for its importance to Japanese nobility. The dogs have a dot or a line on their forehead, which is associated with the touch of Buddha. While most believe that the source breed for the Japanese Chin originated in China, the route by which the Chin arrived in Japan is a widely debated topic. One story claims that the dogs were given to the Japanese royalty in AD 732 as gifts from the rulers of Korea. Others maintain that they were given as gifts to the Empress of Japan as early as the middle of the sixth century or by the seventh century. Literature comparison: For a related silver koro in the form of a Pekinese dog, see Meiji no Takara: Treasures of Imperial Japan - The Nasser D. Khalili Collection, The Kibo Foundation, 1995, Metalwork part II, no. 122. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer`s premium – only for buyers within the EU.