Anonymous

Meiji/Taisho period 19th/20th century

1868-1926

kimono Tray

Decorated in gold hiramaki-e, gold, silver and iro-e togidashi maki-e with two ho-o birds flying together on a black lacquer ground. Although the two ho-o birds (phoenix) look alike you can see there are some differences. The above bird has both head plumage and peacock like feathers to its tail feathers. The bird below does not. Often the phoenix is seen as a feminine creature paired with the male dragon in Asian art, but in this case, it would seem to be a pairing of a male and female phoenix.

Underneath the tray is decorated with a single gold maru ni-kaga-umebachi crest in gold hiramaki-e. this would suggest that the piece was made for someone in the clan.

Unsigned

5.5cm x 54.6cm x 39.2cm