Covered box decorated with chrysanthemum, peony and flying butterflies motif

The collections of forged, chased and enamelled Japanese object include all manner of work ranging from Japanese arms and armour and sophisticated enamelled products to solitary sculptures destined for European clients. The masters of Hirata School were the first documented Japanese artists to experiment with enamelled metal technique after the early 17th century. This school specialized in making sword guards and other accessories such as box handles, sliding door fittings and lacquerware accessories.