ANTIQUE 20thC MEIJI JAPANESE SOLID SILVER IRIS COCKTAIL SHAKER & CUPS c.1900

DESCRIPTION

Antique early 20th Century Japanese Meiji period solid silver cocktail shaker and four cups, densely chased and embossed with blossoming irises on matted hand hammered ground. The base is Hallmarked Sterling, (used on items made for export, 925 standard), these marks are used primary in during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and makers mark Artur & Bond, Yokohama. The English company was based in Yokohama, Japan during the Meiji period. Their high quality silverware and statement pieces were particularly sought after especially by foreign travellers and English gentlemen living in Japan.

Located in Yokohama, Japan, the firm catered mainly to English expatriates and foreign travelers. They retailed and manufactured not just silverware but also gold lacquer, chased, hammered and inlaid metal works, ivory carvings, embroideries, cloisonne, porcelain, furniture and domestic items as stated in their business cards.

The firm opened a second branch in Kobe, Japan and a shop in London, 52 St. Mary Axe and its products were retailed in America by G. W. Sheldon & Co.

Their most famous commission is undoubtedly the Liscum Bowl, treasured by the 9th United States Infantry and realised as a memorial of Col. Liscum killed in China in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion. The bowl, made from bullion rescued by the U.S. Army and featuring Imperial dragons, shows an excellent manufacture and is considered one of the finest artworks of that period. In 1923 the firm suffered a consistent loss due to the Kanto earthquake and no later record survived.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

SHAKER
Height: 23cm
Width: 10cm
Weight: 465g

CUPS
Height: 7cm
Width: 4.5cm
Combined Weight: 215g