A silver and Shibayama-inlaid 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.