Mt. Fuji with Pagoda and Cherry Blossoms Chokin Art
Decorative art, metal engraving with gilt and silvering • Japanese artisan workshop, likely produced for the export or tourist market (G.W.C. or similar Chokin collectives)
Style & Movement
Showa era decorative arts, specifically Modern Chokin Revival with Western-influenced framing
Medium & Technique
Chokin (traditional Japanese metal engraving) involving copper, gold, and silver etching/plating
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6 x 6 inches square format, set within a wide, ornate Rococo-style plastic or composite frame
Subject Description
A classic Japanese landscape featuring a three-tiered pagoda, blooming cherry blossoms (Sakura), and Mount Fuji in the background. The imagery is highly symbolic of Japanese national identity and seasonal beauty.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the metal plate appears well-preserved under glass, though the frame shows minor surface dust and potential oxidation at the inner edges
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $60 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $40 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir or gift item in Japan or through a high-end department store during the height of the Chokin export craze (1970s-80s)
Art Historical Significance
Represents the commercialization of the ancient Chokin metal-working technique (dating back to the 12th century for decorating samurai armor) for the modern global giftware market.
Notable Features
The contrast between the traditional Japanese metal subject matter and the heavily ornate, Western-style 'Neo-Baroque' rose-motif frame, characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century Japanese export aesthetics.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches on the frame's gilt finish; possibility of metal tarnishing if the seal between the glass and backing is compromised; light dust accumulation in the crevices of the frame molding.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a low-humidity environment to prevent metal oxidation; clean glass with a lint-free cloth; avoid chemical cleaners on the metallic plate