Japanese Meiji Silver Rooster Okimono with Gold-Backed Pigeon Blood Enamels, 1900s

This Japanese solid silver okimono depicts a rooster, finely hand chased and engraved, decorated with translucent Pigeon Blood enamels applied over a reflective gold ground and set with small natural turquoise cabochons.

Height: 14 cm
Length: 16 cm
Depth: 8.5 cm
Weight: 252.8 g

Dating to the Late Meiji period (c. 1895–1912), the piece displays characteristics associated with the refined metalworking tradition of Nagoya/Asuke, renowned for artistic silverwork and enamelling during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The entire surface was hand chased and engraved before enamelling. The engraved decoration remains clearly visible beneath the translucent enamels, allowing the reflective gold ground to interact with the colour. The comb is decorated with translucent Pigeon Blood enamel over gold, enriched by subtle dark brushwork beneath the enamel. The same technique is employed on the wings and tail, where green, blue, and violet enamels enhance the finely engraved silver without concealing the underlying craftsmanship.

The eyes retain their original natural turquoise cabochons. The recessed base, refined construction and exceptionally fine chasing are consistent with Japanese artistic silverwork of the Late Meiji period.

The maker's mark survives only as residual traces and can no longer be read with certainty. Nevertheless, the workmanship, gold-backed translucent enamels, construction and overall artistic approach are consistent with the Nagoya/Asuke tradition.