"Pair Of Vases With Turtles Japan Meiji, Shibuichi"
Pair of Japanese vases from the Meiji period (1868-1912), with complex decorations made using the Schibuichi inlay technique mixing gold, copper and silver. Decor of turtles on each side the decors are different, very refined, The inlaid surfaces are made of a variety of metals, including gold, silver, copper, shakudō (an alloy of 4 to 10 % gold with 90 to 94 % copper) and shibuichi (an alloy of silver and copper, made in various proportions, sometimes with a small addition of gold). Extremely precise and intricate work, which is seen in the attention to detail and very small ornaments. From the 1860s, products of this type became a demonstration of the extraordinary abilities of Japanese craftsmanship and began to cause a stir at international international exhibitions