Lidded vase
Signed: 'Made by Komai of the Western Capital [Kyoto] Japan'
About 1890-1900
Patinated and inlaid iron
The Edwin and Susan Davies Collection

This pumpkin-shaped lidded vase is typical of the work of Komai of Kyoto, who produced considerable numbers of inlaid russet iron objects for the western market. The subjects depicted in the medallions which decorate the sides of the vase include birds, flowers, views of Kyoto and scenes from Japanese legend and all are on an iron ground with inlaid geometric and stylised floral motifs. Komai's technique of gold and silver inlay is sometimes referred to as 'Kyoto damascene'.