A PAIR OF JAPANESE SHIBAYAMA-STYLE LACQUER VASES

λ A PAIR OF JAPANESE SHIBAYAMA-STYLE LACQUER VASES AND COVERS
MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

Both with a bulbous body raised on a tall conical foot, and with a circular cover; each decorated with two large panels, one with a scholar observing a scroll painting from which emerges an oni nembutsu causing panic, with figures fleeing in terror behind him, the other panel with birds and flowers by a stream; the second vase decorated with the same repentant demon and his travelling companion on a ferry boat, the reverse with further birds and flowers; all reserved on a rich ground of butterflies, scrolling tendrils, lappets enclosing alternating brocade patterns and further blooms; all rendered in a variety of lacquer techniques including iroe hiramaki-e, nashiji, kirikane and others, with inlays in mother of pearl, coral and other materials; the cover embellished with further brocade patterns and topped with finger-citron knops; each with a paper label underneath mentioning Sotheby's, 27.7.48, lot L50; 19cm each. (4)

With an ivory registration number.