Vase in a horizontal ovoid form set on a
truncated conical base, the upper section ornamented with
three reserves: one with a large cactus, another with a cactus
flower, and the third with two butterflies; the balance of the
vase with abstract geometric designs. The base of hammered
shibuichi or silver-bronze inlaid with vertical silver lines,
the top of hammered silver inlaid with shakudō and
shibuichi in kiribame zōgan technique, with
silvered and gilt details. Signed on the reverse with a
chiseled signature by the artist: Yoshishige (Teramoto
Yoshishige, born in Taishō 5 or 1916). Shōwa 34 or 1959.
With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior
of the lid: Nitten Tokusen, Kiribame Zōgan Saboten Mon
Kabin or Nitten (Exhibition) Grand Prize (Winner), Pierce-work
Inlay Prickly Pear Cactus Design Vase; and on the reverse of
the lid dated and signed: Shōwa San-jü Yon Nen Chüshū Kore wo
Tsukuru, Teramoto Yoshishige Saku or Made in Shōwa (era) 34th
Year Mid Autumn by Teramoto Yoshishige, and sealed: Shige.
This vase is illustrated in the Nittenshi, volume 22,
page 246, number 203.
The metal artist Teramoto Yoshishige worked in Kyoto and
specialized in hammering and inlay techniques. He studied
metal arts in Kyoto and traveled to Europe to widen his
artistic education. He first participated in a
government-sponsored exhibition with the Hōshukuten in 1940,
returning to the 5th and 6th Shin-Bunten in 1942 and 1943.
After the Pacific War, he returned to the national exhibitions
with the 4th Nitten in 1948, thereafter exhibiting frequently.
He became a regent and judge for the Nitten and was also
accorded mukansa or non-vetted status at the
exhibition. His work won many prizes, including the Prime
Minister’s Prize as well as the tokusen or grand prize, for
this vase at the 1959 Nitten. He also exhibited at the Nihon
Dentō Kōgei Ten (Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition).
17 ¾” high x 17 ½” diameter. |
