1. Other work by Namikawa Yasuyuki can be seen in the adjacent case to the Object of the Month, on the top shelf. From right to left five pieces show the increase in skill of the artist and the change in taste of the times, over a period of some forty years.

1870-1900 The collection holds a piece attributed to Yasuyuki of the 1870s, not shown in the gallery, which is crude and dark. The little tobacco box and its tray of the 1880s (1995.151), although unsigned, we know to be by Yasuyuki as we have his original invoice.

Next to this, one can see in the small globular vase with a lid (1993.39), made about 1890, how the ‘pictures’ are contained within cartouches. In constrast, by 1900 the ‘pictures’ of the slender vase, (1988.1) are free of restrictions as Yasuyuki became more confident of his ability to make a large surface area of one colour.

1900-1915 By 1903, the wire used is no longer a flat ribbon, but has been shaped and sculpted to form an important part of the design. Looking closely at the small blue scent bottle (2000.48) one can see how the silver wire has been shaped almost like a brushstroke, and the part of the leaves in silver may be larger than the part in enamel. The development continues as seen in the green incense burner (2000.180) of about 1910; the wire is gold wire, and Yasuyuki has started shading the colours so that he can depict scenery. There are also small accents, like dots, made by attaching small pieces of wires to the body end-on, to give an effect like the dots in a Chinese painting.

2. In the same case, below the shelf of work by Namikawa Yasuyuki, one can view and compare his work with that of some of his contemporaries.

Ando Jubei is notable for working in much the same style as Yasuyuki, see the dark coloured vase. In addition, see the tray depicting pigeons (1990.4) made by Namikawa Sosuke (no relation) notable for working in the ‘wire-less’ style (in fact, reduced wire), and Kumeno Teitaro, who made the astonishing dragon vase (1999.104) in transparent enamel on gold.

tobacco box & tray (1995.151) Namikawa Yasuyuki

vase (1987.12) Ando Jubei

tray with pigeons (1990.4)
Namikawa Sosuke

dragon vase
(1999.104)
Kumeno Teitaro