1890-1910 Meiji Japanese Silver Plated Sika no Kami Shinto Vase with Figural Sakura Blossoms
$160.00
A tall silver plated Meiji era vase with figural sakura blossoms on its neck. The vase has a blank reserve that could have been used for a tribute but is not engraved. Nicely sized to have a presence on the table or mantle. The vase is clearly handmade and is just lovely. condition is good although some tarnish remains and there are a couple of small dings (shown). There are also some areas of plating loss.
The Japanese iconography engraved on the vase refers to the Shinto deity known as "Sika no Kami" or "Shika no Kami" in Japanese. This deity is associated with deer, which are considered sacred animals in Shintoism. One famous representation of this deity is found at Nara Park in Japan, where wild deer roam freely and are considered messengers of the gods. The most famous depiction of this deity is in the form of the legendary Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō), who is said to have encountered a white deer while on a military campaign. The deer guided her safely through a treacherous mountain pass, leading her to victory. In gratitude, she built the first shrine to Sika no Kami, and since then, deer have been revered in Japan. This imagery often symbolizes harmony between humans and nature, as well as the protective and guiding role of spiritual beings. It's commonly seen in various forms of Japanese art, including paintings, sculptures, and even in modern pop culture. In Shintoism, cherry blossoms are often associated with the concept of renewal and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. They are used in various Shinto rituals and ceremonies, particularly during springtime festivities like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) where people gather to appreciate the beauty of the blossoms. Additionally, cherry blossoms are sometimes linked to certain Shinto deities, particularly those associated with agriculture, fertility, and nature. They are also commonly found in and around Shinto shrines, adding to the spiritual significance attributed to them within the context of Shinto beliefs.
A tall silver plated Meiji era vase with figural sakura blossoms on its neck. The vase has a blank reserve that could have been used for a tribute but is not engraved. Nicely sized to have a presence on the table or mantle. The vase is clearly handmade and is just lovely. condition is good although some tarnish remains and there are a couple of small dings (shown). There are also some areas of plating loss.
The Japanese iconography engraved on the vase refers to the Shinto deity known as "Sika no Kami" or "Shika no Kami" in Japanese. This deity is associated with deer, which are considered sacred animals in Shintoism. One famous representation of this deity is found at Nara Park in Japan, where wild deer roam freely and are considered messengers of the gods. The most famous depiction of this deity is in the form of the legendary Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō), who is said to have encountered a white deer while on a military campaign. The deer guided her safely through a treacherous mountain pass, leading her to victory. In gratitude, she built the first shrine to Sika no Kami, and since then, deer have been revered in Japan. This imagery often symbolizes harmony between humans and nature, as well as the protective and guiding role of spiritual beings. It's commonly seen in various forms of Japanese art, including paintings, sculptures, and even in modern pop culture. In Shintoism, cherry blossoms are often associated with the concept of renewal and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. They are used in various Shinto rituals and ceremonies, particularly during springtime festivities like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) where people gather to appreciate the beauty of the blossoms. Additionally, cherry blossoms are sometimes linked to certain Shinto deities, particularly those associated with agriculture, fertility, and nature. They are also commonly found in and around Shinto shrines, adding to the spiritual significance attributed to them within the context of Shinto beliefs.
A tall silver plated Meiji era vase with figural sakura blossoms on its neck. The vase has a blank reserve that could have been used for a tribute but is not engraved. Nicely sized to have a presence on the table or mantle. The vase is clearly handmade and is just lovely. condition is good although some tarnish remains and there are a couple of small dings (shown). There are also some areas of plating loss.
The Japanese iconography engraved on the vase refers to the Shinto deity known as "Sika no Kami" or "Shika no Kami" in Japanese. This deity is associated with deer, which are considered sacred animals in Shintoism. One famous representation of this deity is found at Nara Park in Japan, where wild deer roam freely and are considered messengers of the gods. The most famous depiction of this deity is in the form of the legendary Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō), who is said to have encountered a white deer while on a military campaign. The deer guided her safely through a treacherous mountain pass, leading her to victory. In gratitude, she built the first shrine to Sika no Kami, and since then, deer have been revered in Japan. This imagery often symbolizes harmony between humans and nature, as well as the protective and guiding role of spiritual beings. It's commonly seen in various forms of Japanese art, including paintings, sculptures, and even in modern pop culture. In Shintoism, cherry blossoms are often associated with the concept of renewal and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. They are used in various Shinto rituals and ceremonies, particularly during springtime festivities like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) where people gather to appreciate the beauty of the blossoms. Additionally, cherry blossoms are sometimes linked to certain Shinto deities, particularly those associated with agriculture, fertility, and nature. They are also commonly found in and around Shinto shrines, adding to the spiritual significance attributed to them within the context of Shinto beliefs.