Mirror (3) - Bronze - Signed Antique Tenkaichi

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Alexandra Xu
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller

### Description
This lot features a rare set of three antique Japanese 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 three signed pieces (from left to right in the main photo):
* **1st Piece (Left):** Signed *Tenkaichi Wakasa* (天下一若狭) / Motif: Kikko Hanabishi (Kikko tortoise-shell pattern with flower diamond)
* **2nd Piece (Middle):** Signed *Fujiwara* (藤原) / Motif: Nanten (Hevenly Bamboo)
* **3rd Piece (Right):** Signed *Inamura Bingo-no-kami Yoshinaga* (稲村備後守吉長) / Motif: Kikko Hanabishi (Kikko tortoise-shell pattern with flower diamond)

### Symbolism of Motifs
* **Kikko Hanabishi (Kikko Tortoise-Shell with Flower Diamond):** The hexagonal *Kikko* pattern resembles the shell of a tortoise, which traditionally represents longevity, protection, and a long life of 10,000 years in Japan. The *Hanabishi* (flower diamond) inside adds a sense of elegance and high nobility. This combination is a powerful auspicious motif wishing for a long, prosperous, and secure family lineage.
* **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 approx. 17.0 cm / Width approx. 11.6 cm
* **Smallest Piece:** Height approx. 13.0 cm / Width approx. 7.5 cm

### Weight
* **Total Weight (All 3 pieces):** 410 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 three antique Japanese 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 three signed pieces (from left to right in the main photo):
* **1st Piece (Left):** Signed *Tenkaichi Wakasa* (天下一若狭) / Motif: Kikko Hanabishi (Kikko tortoise-shell pattern with flower diamond)
* **2nd Piece (Middle):** Signed *Fujiwara* (藤原) / Motif: Nanten (Hevenly Bamboo)
* **3rd Piece (Right):** Signed *Inamura Bingo-no-kami Yoshinaga* (稲村備後守吉長) / Motif: Kikko Hanabishi (Kikko tortoise-shell pattern with flower diamond)

### Symbolism of Motifs
* **Kikko Hanabishi (Kikko Tortoise-Shell with Flower Diamond):** The hexagonal *Kikko* pattern resembles the shell of a tortoise, which traditionally represents longevity, protection, and a long life of 10,000 years in Japan. The *Hanabishi* (flower diamond) inside adds a sense of elegance and high nobility. This combination is a powerful auspicious motif wishing for a long, prosperous, and secure family lineage.
* **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 approx. 17.0 cm / Width approx. 11.6 cm
* **Smallest Piece:** Height approx. 13.0 cm / Width approx. 7.5 cm

### Weight
* **Total Weight (All 3 pieces):** 410 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
3
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Bronze
Dynastic style/period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Provenance
Antique market
Artist
天下一若狭 / 藤原 / 稲村備後守吉長
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
External height
17 cm
Sold with stand
No
External width
11.6 cm
Internal height
17 cm
Internal width
11.6 cm
Depth
0.5 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
JapanVerified
289
Objects sold
100%
protop

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