JAPANESE STERLING SILVER IRIS TEAPOT; HAND WROUGHT; MEIJI PERIOD; SIGNED FOR KUHN & KOMOR
We are quite pleased to offer this rare Japanese sterling silver iris teapot.
From one of the most important Yokohama shops of the Meiji period Kuhn & Komor.
One of only two makers authorized by the Meiji Emporer to make decorative arts in the western taste. See images and narrative below.
Meiji period Japanese silver was the finest the world has ever known. Much was crafted by former Samurai. Imperial decree had outlawed their warrior culture. Forcing the Samurai to channel centuries old sword making skills into breathtaking presentation and household silver.
The Meiji silver artisans were so highly regarded that Tiffany, Gorham and the leading British firms sent their staff to Japan to "learn" (steal) the secrets of the Samurai.
This Meiji tea kettle in tapering form.
Beautifully hand carved iris leaf and flower sprays, set along gentle stream.
Flowers carved in exceptionally high relief from the surfaces. Each iris display distinct from the others.
The moving water represented by softly engraved wavy lines. A design technique specific to Japanese arts. Not seen in other culture's silver.
Cover well fit. Topped with single raised iris, rising from stand of several that are carved into the cover's surface.
Flower accented swing handle. Rising from three petal terminal.
The cover and body with rich hand hammered background. Thousands of individual hammer marks shimmer brilliantly in the natural light.
Signed Juhn & Komor and their flying crane trademark.
Never monogrammed.
This rare Meiji Kuhn and Komor yeapot is 8 3/4 inches tall at handle and weighs 21 standard ounces.
In excellent condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina throughout. The interior clean as if little used. The brilliant iris decoration retain their original crisp, vibrant detail. Handle secure and with original cross fasteners. Few shallow bumps to handle center couple to body.
Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax.
We have over 8700 feed backs. And, are quite proud of our Top Seller designation.
We received favorable notice in the March 12th, 2006 New York Times. Page 8, Business Section, in a well written article on silver collecting. Copy furnished upon request.
From our personal collection, a fine mid 19th century coin silver basket by Edward & John Moore is illustrated in the cover article in May/June 2008 Silver Magazine.
Enjoy....and good fortune in your offerding.
