Description This set of six Japanese silver and enamel teaspoons by Sanju Saku is decorated with dragon form handles and enamelled floral bowls and dates to the late 19th to early 20th century. Each teaspoon is finely worked with a dragon forming the terminal of the handle, while the bowls are enamelled with Japanese flowers including chrysanthemum (kiku), wisteria (fuji), iris (hanashobu) and peach (momo). The reverse of each bowl is engraved using the katakiribori technique, creating mirrored designs with subtle line work. The combination of enamel and engraved decoration reflects the level of detail associated with Japanese export silver produced during this period. Pieces of this type were made for both domestic use and the Western market. Each spoon carries the triangular turtle mark of Sanju Saku, a silversmith based in Yokohama known for producing silver and enamel wares during the late 19th and early 20th century retailed by Samurai Shokai. View the full Japanese Collection. View the full Silver Collection. MEASUREMENTS 10.5cm Long x 2.8cm Wide (4.13 x 1.1 Inches) CONDITION Excellent condition Who was Sanju Saku? Sanju Saku was a leading Japanese silversmith active during the Meiji period (1868-1912), working in Yokohama where many high quality silver wares were produced for both domestic use and export. He is known for finely worked silver and enamel objects characterised by detailed surface decoration and precise craftsmanship. His work often incorporates naturalistic motifs such as flowers and foliage, reflecting traditional Japanese design combined with the requirements of the Western market. Pieces bearing the Sanju Saku mark are associated with late 19th to early 20th century Japanese export silver and remain sought after for their quality and attention to detail. Who was Samurai Shokai? Samurai Shokai was a Japanese art and antique retailer based in Yokohama, founded in 1894 by Nomura Yozo. The firm became well known for supplying high quality Japanese works to both domestic clients and international collectors, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th century. The business specialised in a wide range of objects including silverware, metalwork, lacquer and ceramics, and developed a strong reputation among foreign buyers visiting Japan. By the early 20th century, Samurai Shokai had established an international presence, also offering mail order sales to overseas clients. The company continued trading after being rebuilt following the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and remained active until 1965. Pieces associated with Samurai Shokai are considered part of the wider export trade that introduced Japanese decorative arts to Western markets. What is katakiribori 片切彫? Katakiribori is a traditional Japanese metal engraving technique carried out using a single chisel known as a tagane. The tool is worked at varying angles and depths to create lines that resemble brush strokes, giving the surface a painterly quality similar to ink painting. The technique is commonly found on sword fittings such as tsuba as well as decorative metalwork, where it is used to achieve fine detail and subtle tonal variation. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM (KIKU)? The chrysanthemum, known as kiku (菊) in Japan, is one of the country’s most important symbols. Introduced from China in the 5th century, it quickly became associated with longevity, renewal, and autumn. By the 12th century, Emperor Go-Toba adopted the chrysanthemum as the crest of the Imperial family, where it remains today as the Imperial Seal of Japan, also called the Chrysanthemum Throne. The flower appears widely in art, poetry, festivals, and design, celebrated for both its seasonal beauty and its links to the virtues of loyalty, resilience, and honour. For further information see our article Chrysanthemums in Japanese Culture: The Imperial Flower of Autumn. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WISTERIA (FUJI 藤)? Wisteria, known in Japan as fuji (藤), has been admired for centuries as a symbol of longevity and nobility. During the Heian period (794-1185), the colour purple, which is closely associated with wisteria, was reserved for members of the imperial court and aristocracy. Wisteria also has practical and cultural importance through textile known as fuji-fu, made from the plant’s vines. It is one of the oldest fabrics in Japan and was designated a tangible cultural property in 1991. Since the Edo period, wisteria has been cultivated on trellises to create its distinctive flowering canopy, a tradition still seen in gardens today. It was also used historically in traditional medicine, adding to its layered cultural meaning. For further information see our article Wisteria in Japanese Art and Culture. WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)? The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art. For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. 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