MEIJI PERIOD (CIRCA 1900), SIGNED ICHIJOKEN JOUN (OSHIMA JOUN [1858-1940])

Details

A bronze incense burner (koro) with the figure of Ashura
Meiji period (circa 1900), signed Ichijoken Joun (Oshima Joun [1858-1940])
With very dark brown patination overall, the domed lid bordered in a band of key fret scroll and surmounted by a handle in the shape of an animal pelt-clad demon dynamically rendered with left arm raised, mouth open and compass on its belt, the demon riding atop a large dragon-fish on the crest of a wave, the entire surface of the ovoid body finely cast in low-relief with a dense ground of archaistic motifs, other parts of the surface cast in relief with lion-dog, cloud and dragon motifs in elaborate frames, on four short curved legs; signed underneath the container Ichijoken Joun and with kao (cursive monogram)
22in. (55.8cm.) high
Wood box inscribed on the cover Ashura rogata koro (a wax-cast bronze incense burner with Ashura), and inscribed and dated on the reverse Showa kinoe-ne doshi kugatsu kichijitsu Komei shiki (certified by Komei on an auspicious day in September 1984) and sealed Komei

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Lot Essay

Oshima Joun was a master metalsmith noted for his expertise in the technique of lost-wax casting. He participated in many national and international exhibitions, winning a gold medal in the International Exposition, Paris, in 1900.

The ashura belong to a class of eight Buddhist guardian deities that evolved from Hindu mythology. Ashura symbolize the fighting demons, and are associated with force and violence. They rank above humans in the Buddhist hierarchy, but below most of the other gods.

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