Meiji period (1868-1912), sterling silver ground vase with mixed metal embellishments, fantastic details include a gold spider web encircling the upper body and neck with a variety of insects such as a cricket, praying mantis and mosquito, the rest of the body features bamboo stalks both young and mature, in gold and copper, signed to the underside in Japanese 起立工商会社 (Kiryu kosho kaisha) under a double mountain mark, with silver mark 通貨銀, comes together with a wooden stand.

Vase 14 1/2 in., with stand 16 1/4 in.

Private Collection, North Carolina

Kiryu Kosho Kaisha was set up by the Japanese Government to promote export in crafts after the success of the Japanese exhibits in the Vienna World Exhibition of 1873. As a commissioning agent, the company ordered work from many famous artists in all branches of the decorative arts and had three factories producing metalwork, ceramics, lacquer, Shibayama and embroideries.

Good estate condition; some scattered light minor pushes and scratches; some spots of discoloration on gold web border and on bamboo stalks.