A finely inlaid iron large circular lobed charger By Komai Otojiro of Kyoto, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century, probably circa 1875-1880

A finely inlaid iron large circular lobed charger
By Komai Otojiro of Kyoto, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century, probably circa 1875-1880Raised on a low foot ring, the iron body cast and chiselled in typical Komai silver and gold relief overlay, the central panel executed in gold and bronze high relief inlay depicting an elderly peasant couple each cradling one child, the older sibling in the background peering from behind an open doorway holding a book titled Nihon no shi (A History of Japan), surrounded by swirling panels radiating from the centre enclosing circular foliate motifs alternating with thatched huts nestled among pine on a lakeshore and sailing boats in the distance, all within a fruiting-vine outer border finished with a gold band, signed on the base with silver nunome-zogan characters Saikyo no ju Komai sei. 4.5cm x 48cm (1¾in x 18 7/8in).

Saikyo ('Western Capital') was an alternative name for Kyoto (corresponding to Tokyo, 'Eastern Capital') widely used during the early part of the Meiji era.