A silver and inlaid Shibayama vase


By Mitsutsugu, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryThe silver body inset with two lobed gold-lacquer panels edged in silver, one depicting an exotic long-tailed bird among seasonal plants and flowers, the other with an elaborate ikebana display, executed in Shibayama-style encrustations, the sides applied with silver stalks of chrysanthemums forming the handles, the shoulder, neck and splayed foot embellished with formal floral motifs in coloured enamel; signed on the base of each vase Mitsutsugu within a gold rectangular reserve. 22.2cm (8¾in) high.