23rd Jan, 2025 11:00
Four-Day Auction: Asian Art Discoveries
181
KATO KICHIBEI: A SETO-WARE PORCELAIN VASE DEPICTING THE FOUR WORTHIES (SHIKUNSHI)
Sold for €780
including Buyer's Premium
By Kato Kichibei, signed Kato Kichibei sei
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The oval vase supported on a slightly flaring foot with rounded sides rising to an everted rim. The body decorated with swirling vines and blossoms with four panels depicting the shikunshi (four worthies): orchids, bamboo, kiku (chrysanthemum), and plum blossoms. The upper shoulder of the vase molded with four plump moon rabbits. The base is signed KATO KICHIBEI sei.
HEIGHT 24.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Collection of James and Christine Heusinger. James and Christine Heusinger started collecting Japanese art in the late 1970s. James and Christine worked for a travel agency until James became a prominent carpenter, whose company renovated the office of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s office. His collection began with a modest piece by Seifu Yohei III, and expanded to over 100 pieces. They donated the majority of their pieces to the Cleveland Museum of Art, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.
The Shikunshi, literally ‘the four worthies’ or ‘the four gentlemen,’ are a motif of four plants which represent the four seasons as well as four characteristics adherent to men of virtue. The motif has been popular since the Ming dynasty, and became popular with naga artists in the 18th and 19th centuries in Japan. The orchid is associated with spring as well as purity, loyalty, incorruptibility, and modesty. Bamboo represents summer and the quality of strength and tenacity. Chrysanthemum symbolize autumn as well as regality and stoic honor. And lastly, the plum blossom represents winter, symbolizing vitality and resilience.
By Kato Kichibei, signed Kato Kichibei sei
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The oval vase supported on a slightly flaring foot with rounded sides rising to an everted rim. The body decorated with swirling vines and blossoms with four panels depicting the shikunshi (four worthies): orchids, bamboo, kiku (chrysanthemum), and plum blossoms. The upper shoulder of the vase molded with four plump moon rabbits. The base is signed KATO KICHIBEI sei.
HEIGHT 24.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Collection of James and Christine Heusinger. James and Christine Heusinger started collecting Japanese art in the late 1970s. James and Christine worked for a travel agency until James became a prominent carpenter, whose company renovated the office of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s office. His collection began with a modest piece by Seifu Yohei III, and expanded to over 100 pieces. They donated the majority of their pieces to the Cleveland Museum of Art, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.
The Shikunshi, literally ‘the four worthies’ or ‘the four gentlemen,’ are a motif of four plants which represent the four seasons as well as four characteristics adherent to men of virtue. The motif has been popular since the Ming dynasty, and became popular with naga artists in the 18th and 19th centuries in Japan. The orchid is associated with spring as well as purity, loyalty, incorruptibility, and modesty. Bamboo represents summer and the quality of strength and tenacity. Chrysanthemum symbolize autumn as well as regality and stoic honor. And lastly, the plum blossom represents winter, symbolizing vitality and resilience.
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