Okimono Representing Two Kingfishers, Japan, Late Edo Period.

Okimono.
Two kingfishers perched above a body of water.
Silver and various techniques: shakudo and shibuichi.
Japan, late Edo period, circa 1870.


This okimono is distinguished by the fine workmanship of the various metals that make it up. Indeed, the techniques used combine two traditional copper-based alloys, shakudo (copper and gold) and shibuichi (copper and silver) to give this subtle result of gradations ranging from deep black to gold through chocolate brown, highlighted by an extremely careful chasing of each detail. The play of textures is particularly well done with the smooth waves rendered by the silver in which the roughness of the bark and the fine feathers of the birds are reflected.