Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Metalwork (2)

Large incense burner in the shape of the holy Mount Fuji. At the foot of the mountain, between some pine trees rests a deer. The triple cone is the cover, in which two openings in the shape of small clouds.
Cast and patinated bronze.

Japan, Meiji/Taisho era, early 20th century

H 7.25 x W 14 x D 7.5 in.

Small casting flaw in cover, repaired (strictly speaking a casting flaw is not a damage), two larger casting flaws in bottom (not restored), a few scuffs, all in all very good condition.

Bronze cylindrical handwarmer (shuro or te-aburi) with decoration of gourds plastically dangling from a band of low relief leaves and vines. The spokes in the shoulder and cover also in the shape of gourds. The flat part of the cover with fretwork in the shape of leaves and engraved vines. Playful combination of brown and yellow bronze. The handles wrapped in soft leather. Japan, Taisho/Showa eras, 1920s-1930s.
Comes with the original fitted tomobako signed and with inscription on the outside of the cover:
Nakagawa Joeki tsukuru and seal Joeki; Bronze handwarmer with [design of] gourds and vines …

H ca. 12 in. diameter ca. 8 ½ in.

Few scuffs consistent with usage, leather a bit dry and brittle.

Nakagawa Joeki X (1880-1940) was famous for excellent metal work in beautiful art deco style. He came from a family of armor makers, going back to the 16th century. His son, Joeki XI (b. 1920), is the current head of the Nakagawa family.
Although the handwarmer itself is not signed, the craftsmanship and the storage box identify the master