Mirror (4) - Bronze - Signed Antique Tenkaichi

Starting bid
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Alexandra Xu
Expert
Estimate  € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller

### Description
This lot features a rare set of four antique Japanese rectangular bronze pocket mirrors (*Wakyo*) from the Edo to Meiji period. Each piece is an exquisite example of traditional metalwork, often carried as personal accessories and status symbols.

Notably, the largest piece bears the prestigious honorific title "**Tenkaichi**" (meaning "Peerless under heaven"), a supreme title historically granted only to the finest master craftsmen approved by the authorities.

The collection includes the following four signed pieces (from left to right in the main photo):
* **1st Piece (Left):** Signed *Tenkaichi Inamura Bingo-no-kami Yoshinaga* (天下一稲村備後守吉長) / Motif: Pine and Koto (琴)
* **2nd Piece:** Signed *Fukushima Izumo-no-kami* (福嶋出雲守) / Motif: Peonies and Butterfly
* **3rd Piece:** Signed *Nishimura Bungo-no-jo Masashige* (西村豊後掾政重) / Motif: Nanten (Heavenly Bamboo)
* **4th Piece (Right):** Signed *Mokumura Inaba Shigeyoshi* (杢村因幡重義) / Motif: Butterfly

### Symbolism of Motifs
* **Pine and Koto:** The pine tree (*Matsu*) is an evergreen that represents longevity, endurance, and unyielding constancy. The *Koto* (traditional Japanese zither) symbolizes aristocratic refinement, artistic harmony, and peace. Together, they convey a wish for a long, harmonious, and elegant life.
* **Peony and Butterfly:** The peony (*Botan*) is known as the "King of Flowers" in Japan, symbolizing wealth, high nobility, and ultimate beauty. The butterfly (*Cho*) represents joy, longevity, and happy marital bonds. This combination is a classic auspicious motif wishing for prosperity and enduring happiness.
* **Nanten (Heavenly Bamboo):** The name *Nanten* sounds identical to the Japanese phrase "Nan o tenzuru," which means "to turn misfortune into good luck." Because of this wordplay, it has been cherished since ancient times as a powerful protective charm to ward off evil and bring fortune.

### Condition
Good antique condition with authentic patina, showing expected age-related wear, light scratches, and tarnishing typical of antique metalware.
Sold as-is; please review the photos carefully for details and to assess the condition.

### Dimensions
* **Largest Piece:** Height 15.4 cm / Width 7.0 cm / Depth approx. 0.3 cm
* **Smallest Piece:** Height 7.0 cm / Width 3.5 cm / Depth approx. 0.2 cm

### Weight
* **Total Weight (All 4 pieces):** 597 g

### Shipping
* This item will be safely packed and shipped directly from Japan.

Items will be shipped via:
* DHL Express
* EMS
* International Air Parcel

Note: Shipping methods depend on the destination country, package size, and available options.

### Customs & Import Duties
* Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
* Please check with your country's customs office to determine additional costs prior to bidding.
* We cannot declare a lower value or mark the item as a "gift."

Thanks,
WAQWAQ Kyoto

Seller's Story

Welcome to the WAQWAQ Kyoto store. Thank you for visiting our profile. Established in 2003, we are a trusted buy-and-sell shop located in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. We have been bringing our curated selection to Catawiki buyers since 2025. Please be advised that our shipping is strictly limited to EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. To ensure safe and fast delivery, we ship all orders via DHL Express, EMS, or International Air Parcel. The most suitable carrier will be automatically selected based on the item's value, size, and your destination to ensure the best balance of speed, safety, and cost.

### Description
This lot features a rare set of four antique Japanese rectangular bronze pocket mirrors (*Wakyo*) from the Edo to Meiji period. Each piece is an exquisite example of traditional metalwork, often carried as personal accessories and status symbols.

Notably, the largest piece bears the prestigious honorific title "**Tenkaichi**" (meaning "Peerless under heaven"), a supreme title historically granted only to the finest master craftsmen approved by the authorities.

The collection includes the following four signed pieces (from left to right in the main photo):
* **1st Piece (Left):** Signed *Tenkaichi Inamura Bingo-no-kami Yoshinaga* (天下一稲村備後守吉長) / Motif: Pine and Koto (琴)
* **2nd Piece:** Signed *Fukushima Izumo-no-kami* (福嶋出雲守) / Motif: Peonies and Butterfly
* **3rd Piece:** Signed *Nishimura Bungo-no-jo Masashige* (西村豊後掾政重) / Motif: Nanten (Heavenly Bamboo)
* **4th Piece (Right):** Signed *Mokumura Inaba Shigeyoshi* (杢村因幡重義) / Motif: Butterfly

### Symbolism of Motifs
* **Pine and Koto:** The pine tree (*Matsu*) is an evergreen that represents longevity, endurance, and unyielding constancy. The *Koto* (traditional Japanese zither) symbolizes aristocratic refinement, artistic harmony, and peace. Together, they convey a wish for a long, harmonious, and elegant life.
* **Peony and Butterfly:** The peony (*Botan*) is known as the "King of Flowers" in Japan, symbolizing wealth, high nobility, and ultimate beauty. The butterfly (*Cho*) represents joy, longevity, and happy marital bonds. This combination is a classic auspicious motif wishing for prosperity and enduring happiness.
* **Nanten (Heavenly Bamboo):** The name *Nanten* sounds identical to the Japanese phrase "Nan o tenzuru," which means "to turn misfortune into good luck." Because of this wordplay, it has been cherished since ancient times as a powerful protective charm to ward off evil and bring fortune.

### Condition
Good antique condition with authentic patina, showing expected age-related wear, light scratches, and tarnishing typical of antique metalware.
Sold as-is; please review the photos carefully for details and to assess the condition.

### Dimensions
* **Largest Piece:** Height 15.4 cm / Width 7.0 cm / Depth approx. 0.3 cm
* **Smallest Piece:** Height 7.0 cm / Width 3.5 cm / Depth approx. 0.2 cm

### Weight
* **Total Weight (All 4 pieces):** 597 g

### Shipping
* This item will be safely packed and shipped directly from Japan.

Items will be shipped via:
* DHL Express
* EMS
* International Air Parcel

Note: Shipping methods depend on the destination country, package size, and available options.

### Customs & Import Duties
* Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
* Please check with your country's customs office to determine additional costs prior to bidding.
* We cannot declare a lower value or mark the item as a "gift."

Thanks,
WAQWAQ Kyoto

Seller's Story

Welcome to the WAQWAQ Kyoto store. Thank you for visiting our profile. Established in 2003, we are a trusted buy-and-sell shop located in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. We have been bringing our curated selection to Catawiki buyers since 2025. Please be advised that our shipping is strictly limited to EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. To ensure safe and fast delivery, we ship all orders via DHL Express, EMS, or International Air Parcel. The most suitable carrier will be automatically selected based on the item's value, size, and your destination to ensure the best balance of speed, safety, and cost.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
Signed Antique Tenkaichi
Number of objects
4
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Bronze
Dynastic style/period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Provenance
Antique market
Artist
天下一稲村備後守吉長 / 福嶋出雲守 / 西村豊後掾政重 / 杢村因幡重義
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
External height
15.4 cm
Sold with stand
No
External width
7 cm
Internal height
15.4 cm
Internal width
7 cm
Depth
0.5 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
JapanVerified
289
Objects sold
100%
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