IKKOKU: A MIXED METAL SEAL, EUROPEAN MARKET

IKKOKU: A RARE MIXED METAL SEAL, FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET
By Kashima Ikkoku II (1846-1925), signed Ikkokusai
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The seal, created for the European market, is worked in rich gold, silver, and copper takazogan depicting a bundle of straw with opulent flowers and birds. The silver attachment underneath is cut with a monogram.

HEIGHT 8.1 cm
WEIGHT 18.7 g

Condition: Excellent condition with only very minimal wear.
Provenance: French private collection.
There are four generations of Kashima Ikkoku (Kajima Ikkoku); Ikkoku I, II, III and IV. This work is most likely by Ikkoku II (1846-1925). In a later generation Kashima Ikkoku IV (1899-1996) was appointed a Living National Treasure artist (Ningen Kokuho) in 1979.
Auction comparison:
Another work by this artist was sold at Christie's, The Japanese Aesthetic, 15 May 2013, London, lot 157 (sold for 37,500 GBP).