AN EXCELLENT DRAGON AND PHOENX KORO MADE OF METALL AND SILVER

Description:

Japan, marked:Shôfu, Meiji period
H. 18,5 cm
Of quare shape with rounded sides, raising to a tapered shoulder, supported on four feeft and flanked by handles in shape of stylized parrots with delicate floral cloisonné enamel. The four sides of the body inlaid with silver panels of filigree openwork, partially inlaid with cloisonné enamel. The front panel depicting a coiled up dragon and the reverse a Hôô bird, both side panels with blossoming peonies. Slightly doomed cover surrmounted by a finial in shape of an eagle with outspread wings.The interior mounted in silver.
From a South German private collection, acquired prior to 2007 - Minor wear