Tea Caddy Signed Shomi Eisuke from Kyoto, Meji Period

[Bob61]

Hello Everyone

 

I am hoping that someone can provide me with a little more information or direct me to a site where I can get some more information on this wonderful tea caddy. I am having trouble finding anything to base value or examples like this. I appreciate any help or information. Thanks.

 

It measures

9cm H (w/out lid)

3cm H (lid)

7cm W 

Weighs 305grams

 

Cheers 

Bob

 

[SteveM]

You might have better luck searching under the name "Jomi Eisuke" (or Jōmi Eisuke, although I don't think the macron over the "o" makes much of a difference when searching). 

 

Your item is signed Jōmi-sei (紹美製), "made by Jōmi". 

 

https://cefiro.main....Japanese_Makers.html

[Bob61]

Hi Steve

 

Thank you so much, that helps alot!
Cheers

Bob

 

[Bob61]

Hi Steve

 

I just read the link, thank you ever so much. Truly beautiful work. So, I'm a little confused, did he have all his work stamped with his name, so this could just be a product of one of over 81 workshops? If so, do you have any idea what I should value this item at? I realize it is no where near the quality, but is this a rare piece?  Thanks for the help, much obliged!

 

Cheers

Bob

[SteveM]

I'm afraid I'll be no use to you on this question. From the sound of it, his name was used as a sort of "brand name" for the works produced in those 81 workshops. So your tea box may not be an actual item produced by the hand of Jomi Eisuke.

Actually this kind of thing is common in the sword world as well. Tsuba signed with Sōten, or Seiryūken might be considered "genre" works - items of a certain style produced by workshops under the direction of the workshop founders or their descendants. Nevertheless, the works seem to be well-regarded. 

 

For reference

https://www.freemans...an-arts-1673/lot/186

https://www.bonhams....2-late-19th-century/

[Bob61]

Hi Steve

 

Great, yes I do understand what you are saying, just wanted to make sure. I will take a look at your links, thank you ever so much for your help on this matter. Truly appreciated. Have a great weekend.

 

Cheers

Bob

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Bob,

 

I believe that the textured finish on your caddy is referred to as Kabazaiku.

 

The designer Christopher Dresser 1834 - 1904 used it in a number of silver designs in the late 19th Century, having encountered it and a number of the major Craftsmen of the time, during his formative trip to Japan.

 

Here's what the Wiki has to say:

 

In 1876, the British Government appointed Dresser as an emissary to Japan and sent him to visit Japan after he became associated with Japanese art in 1862, and made a number of Japanese business associates such as Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha, in the years following.[4] In four months in 1876–1877 Dresser travelled about 2000 miles in Japan, recording his impressions in Japan, its Architecture, Art and Art-Manufactures. He represented the South Kensington Museum whilst in Japan, and was received at court by the Emperor, who ordered Dresser to be treated as a guest of the nation – all doors were open to him. He was requested by the Japanese Government to write a report on 'Trade with Europe'. His pioneering study of Japanese art is evident in much of his work which is considered typical of the Anglo-Japanese style.

 

 

 

[Bob61]

Hello

 

Thank you everyone for your input. I have researched both names and am still a little confused. Does anyone have another example of the signature that is on the tea canister. I still cannot find anything remotely like it, other than copies of current pieces. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks and Cheers

Bob

 

[SteveM]

The two items I linked to have signatures like yours. 

This is the signature from the bronze box. Its identical to yours. (紹美製) Jomi-sei (made by Jomi)

 

This is the signature from the bottom of the vase, and is a bit dark. It says Jomi (紹美) without the "sei" kanji on the left side. in a slightly different style, but still recognizable as Jomi. 

 

Here is another example like the first (and like yours). Jomi-sei. It is from the lidded jar at this site: https://www.kyoto-yakata.net/sale/57781/

 

Here's one from a vase at Sotheby's. Same as yours. https://www.sothebys...39-1899-meiji-period

 

 

There are a lot on the web. These are kind of the easy pickings when I searched using google images. 

 

[Bob61]

Hi Steve M

 

Thank you ever so much, this definately clarifies things. Much appreciated.

 

Thanks and Cheers

Bob