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Brush Holder (Fude-zutsu)

early 1870s
Not on view
On the patinated cast-iron surface of this vessel, various metal alloys are inlaid in relief to create effects of light and color. Moonlight seems to glisten on the web executed in shibuichi (an alloy of roughly three parts copper and one part silver) that fans out over the cylindrical form. A spider, in patinated shibuichi, scurries toward the outer edge of the web, where a dragonfly of inlaid copper alloy and silver with gilt copper eyes is caught on the other side. In response to sociocultural changes in the 1870s, Japanese craftspeople began to produce fine ornamental wares like this one with a focus on the Western market.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Brush Holder (Fude-zutsu)
  • Period: Meiji period (1868–1912)
  • Date: early 1870s
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Cast iron with relief inlay in silver, gold and shibuichi
  • Dimensions: H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); Diam. of rim 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Diam. of foot 4 in. (10.2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.617
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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