Large iron flower vase by Komin KUROI

Large iron flower vase by KUROI Komin (1891-1975)

Japan, Showa period (1926-1989)

Signed: Komin

Kuroi Komin (1891-1975)

Although metal baskets were manufactured from the end of the 19th century into the 20th century, mostly in silver or bronze, these were generally intended for the foreign export market and remained largely limited to decorative purposes. Against this backdrop, the work of Kyoto metalworker Kuroi Komin, who worked primarily in iron, stands out clearly.

Komin first gained recognition in 1924, when he won a prize at the first annual exhibition of the Kyoto Fine Art Craft Association. After the Kingei-kai (Metal Crafts Association) was founded in 1928, he became a member. His big breakthrough came in 1930, when he won the top prize at the first Kyoto Craft Art Exhibition with an iron and gold writing box. From 1932 onwards, his work was accepted into the prestigious national Teiten exhibitions, followed by participation in various important exhibitions until the early 1940s.

The work discussed here is probably a unique collaborative project between a bamboo and a metal artist and was presumably made especially for an exhibition. Both artists were active in Kyoto, suggesting that the piece may have been shown at one of the municipal art exhibitions in the late 1920s.

Unlike many mediocre metal baskets from that period, this work is an exceptional example of trompe-l'oeil and craftsmanship. The design, proportions and complex weaving technique of the bamboo artist (Chikuami) are among the best studio weaving of his time. At the same time, Komin's ability to imitate the appearance of antique, smoked bamboo in metal, including colour variations and knot structure, is nothing short of astonishing. Together, this work constitutes a masterpiece in both bamboo and metalworking.