Japanese Meiji Period Keyaki Box With Ornate Metalwork

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Japanese furniture and accessories are famous for their incredible ornate hardware ornamentations. Perhaps it is a known fact that there … Read more Japanese furniture and accessories are famous for their incredible ornate hardware ornamentations. Perhaps it is a known fact that there were many out-of-work metal workers such as swordsmiths at the beginning of the Meiji Period. When Commodore Perry sailed into Japan in 1853 and ended its period of isolation by forcing it to open its ports to American ships for trade. The Meiji Emperor declared Japan had to modernize and samurai class was no longer allowed to carry swords. Swordsmiths and other metal workers had to make a living in other ways. Making decorative iron ornaments for furniture was one of the means of income. This box here is a fine example.

lm) The furniture maker selected his best fine grained Keyaki wood (Japanese elm) for this box. He found a good metalsmith to do the ornaments. Hand repussed plaques over which the handles are attached are finely done. Kiri (pawlonia) wood is used for the drawers. This type of wood is chosen for its unique scent and lightness in weight. jh12 See less