A JAPANESE SILVER AND MIXED METAL CLOCK TAISHO PERIOD Modelled as the mallet of the God of Wealth

A JAPANESE SILVER AND MIXED METAL CLOCK

TAISHO PERIOD

Modelled as the mallet of the God of Wealth, Daikoku, the head decorated with foliate designs, stylised flowers and two ho-ho birds, the handle with further flowerheads and scrolling leaves and tendrils, with a small rat resting on top, a large purple tassel tied to the side; the movement American, the face inscribed 'Ansonia, 8 Day, Made by Ansonia Clock co. USA', and with a long inscription to the inside reading 'Taisho 15th year, February 5th' (corresponding to the 5th of Feburary 1926), 'On behalf of the guests to the banquet

at the Wakatsuki Family house' and followed by a long list of names, together with an associated lacquer wood stand, 30cm. (2)

Provenance: the collection of Former Prime Minister Baron Wakatsuki Reijiro (1866-1949), by repute.

Baron Wakatsuki Reijiro (1866-1949) was a Japanese politician during the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras. He became Home Minister under Prime Minister Kato Takaaki in 1924 and at Kato's death on 30th January 1926, Wakatsuki took over as Prime Minister. The banquet mentioned here and hosted at his house less than a week later was probably to celebrate this new position.