Japanese Sterling Silver Iris Along Stream Centre Bowl Meiji Signed For Sale

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We are quite pleased to offer this rare Meiji sterling silver iris atop hammered surface centre bowl.

Signed.

From our personal 35 year collection of over 125 examples of Meiji silver.

Meiji period Japanese silver was the finest the world has ever known. Much was crafted by former Samurai. Imperial decree had outlawed their warrior culture. Forcing the Samurai to channel centuries old sword making skills into breathtaking presentation and household silver.

The Meiji silver artisans were so highly regarded that Tiffany, Gorham and the leading British firms sent their staff to Japan to "learn" (steal) the secrets of the Samurai.

This stunning Meiji iris bowl in rarely seen incurved corner oval form. Almost every other iris centre bowl we have owned is circular.

Adorned with brilliantly hand carved iris displays, rising from gentle water.

The delicate flowers carved in exceptionally high relief from surface. See close-ups taken at side view to show the high relief.

Set above gentle, winding stream. The slow moving water represented by a series of softly engraved wavy lines. A design technique specific to Japanese decorative arts, not seen in any other culture's silver.

All over hand hammered background. The thousands of indiviudally applied punch marks shimmer in the natural light.

Never monogrammed.

Signed pure silver and maker.

This Meiji sterling silver iris centre bowl is 7 1/2 inches long and 6 3/4 wide.

Exceptionally thick, heavy guage sterling silver construction it weighs 25 (standard) ounces.

Excellent condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina throughout. Stands even on table or display. Double wall construction. The brilliant raised iris floral along stream displays retain their original crisp, vibrant detail. No apparent splits to the applied iris work, as almost always found in this form of Meiji silver.

For the discerning collector of the finest hand wrought Meiji silver. Focused upon rarely seen designs. An exceptional Meiji sterling silver iris along gentle stream oval centre bowl. Excellent condition.

Please feel free to inquire directly about this or any item. We welcome your interest. We are collectors first as such easy to work with.

We combine items when shipping, saving you costs. We ship twice weekly US Postal Service Express & Priority, never Ground. Always fully insured.

We make great effort to accurately describe our silver. Returns are accepted, if either condition, country of origin or dating is significantly incorrect. In such cases we refund your shipping.

Remember these are antiques with expected wear from use. Returns because we failed to mention the tiniest few scuffs, pinhead bumps or mildly bent rim is not acceptable. Nor do we accept returns based on buyer's remorse.

Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax.

We have over 7710 responses. And, are quite proud of our Top Seller designation.

We received favorable notice in the March 12th, 2006 New York Times. Page 8, Business Section, in a well written article on silver collecting. Copy furnished upon request.

From our personal collection, a fine mid 19th century coin silver basket by Edward & John Moore is illustrated in the cover article in May/June 2008 Silver Magazine.

Enjoy....and good fortune in your offerding.

This item has been shown 393 times. Japanese Sterling Silver Iris Along Stream Centre Bowl Meiji Signed: $3,049