Anonymous

Meiji period, 19/20th century

1868-1912

Box

A large circular lacquer box imitating bronze metalwork. This extremely convincing box would at first sight seem to be made of bronze. The patina resembles the aged look of bronze even with the greening of oxidisation. Two squirrels are climbing in fruiting vines with a studded rim and flower patterns around the side. Interior in sparce nashiji makie.

Although this box is not signed there is a retail label of the well-known art dealer Siegfried Bing. Born in Hamburg to an entrepreneurial family. He later moved to France in 1854 to help in the family ceramics business. Eventually marrying in 1868 and becoming a French citizen in 1876 he started to become heavily interested in Asia as Japan was opening up to the west.

In 1873 Bing became the head of the family enterprises in France, focusing on the import and export of art goods. To spread his love of Japanese art he created a monthly article called “Le Japon Artistique”. Published in English, German and French. Later becoming a large influence in the art nouveau movement.

Size 263mm x 263mm x 50mm

Unsigned

Label of Siegfried Bing