“Jar with Warrior, Dragon and Tiger Motifs”

Artist: Suzuki Chokichi

Birth Place: Japan

Date: 19th Century

Medium: Bronze with gold, silver and Tortoise shell

Suzuki Chokichi is recognized as one of the greatest metal artists of 19th century Japan. He produced pieces specifically for display at international exhibitions. The events regularly took place in cities around the world, following the success of the “Great Exhibition” held in London in 1851.

Those with the skill required to decorate metal objects of this time became available as a result of the downfall of the ruling military government of Japan and the eventual banning in 1876 of wearing swords in public. The traditional market for decorative metalwork on weapons and armor effectively disappeared and craftsmen had to quickly find new outlets for their talents. Chokichi worked with designers and other craftsmen to create intricate decorative vases that promoted Japanese art internationally. The fine details were beyond the capability of Western metalworkers and soon Japanese bronzes were being sought by collectors worldwide.

The decorative motif on the bronzes was reflective of traditional Asian themes of plant and animal life — such as dragons, cranes and fish. These themes greatly appealed to the Eastern audience due to their auspicious connotations, while the Western market was captivated by the “exoticness” of the import. On this vase, the dragons represent male power while the tigers represent female power.

Fun Facts: Both the tigers’ eyes and the eyes of the warrior on the top of the vase are made from tortoiseshell that seems to glow when hit by light.