Name/Title
Japanese BasinEntry/Object ID
MK_0430Description
This Japanese, round, bronze tripod basin is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of Japan's Meiji period.
The period, inaugurated in 1868 with the restoration of imperial rule, marked a profound shift from feudalism to modernity, propelled by radical social and political changes. Japan, once secluded from international trade for over two centuries, embraced a new era of engagement with foreign cultures, particularly Western countries, under Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken's rule. The emperor even adopted many features of Western culture into his personal life, including shearing his traditional topknot and donning Western attire.
The new era left an indelible mark on Japan's art. Encouraged by the government's embrace of innovation and a heightened focus on artistry, a wave of new artistic techniques emerged, resulting in works exhinbiting a level of fine detail surpassing their Western counterparts: a legacy that endures, hardly matched even in contemporary Japan. Metalwork especially flourished as, in the wake of the samurai class's disappearance, Japanese forgers transitioned from crafting armor to creating objects destined for display.
Their creations, such as this impressive bronze basin adorned with archaistic designs of a dragon and a phoenix, became highly coveted by collectors worldwide.
Thus, within the metalwork of the Meiji period, one finds not just objects but reflections of a nation's journey from isolation to global influence.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and was recently restored.Made/Created
Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Country
JapanContinent
AsiaLocation
Floor
Lobby LevelBuilding
Main TowerArea
Main LobbyFloor
Lobby LevelBuilding
Main TowerRoom
Interim Main Lobby/Restaurant #3Building
Golf ClubhouseArea
Main LobbyFloor
Lobby LevelBuilding
Main Tower