Rare Antique Japanese Iron Bound Ballot Box
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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1920: Item # 1428859
Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1920: Item # 1428859
Please refer to our stock # MOR7918 when inquiring.
The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
tel.81-75-201-3497
Guest Book
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
tel.81-75-201-3497
Guest Book
sold, with thanks!
sold, with thanks!
A very rare Japanese Ballot Box of hinoki wood bound in decorative iron dating from the later 19th to early 20th century. This year the ballot is on everyone’s mind, and this is an exceptional example of both traditional Japanese decoration and cabinetry. It has locks on both sides of the lid, which can be removed to reveal an inner lid with hinged iron cover over a slot for dropping in the ballots. This inner lid as well is locked. Keys included, it is 35.5 x 21 x 27 cm (14 x 8 x 10-1/2 inches), in excellent condition and comes enclosed in a protective outer wood storage box. The prewar image of Japan as a democracy has been stained by the era of expansion, however a look into the democratic and labor movements of the Taisho era, known as “Taisho Democracy” will show that the same forces vied for power in Japan as vied for domination elsewhere during that time. The Japanese version of Democracy verses the anti-establishment, Universal Suffrage, Women’s Rights, Anarchists, Socialism, Communism, labor movements against the Zaibatsu, the push and pull of independence movements, the embracing of western philosophy and derision of Western empires in Asia (who it may be said treated their colonies no better than the Japanese did), Imperialists, Militarists, Conscientious objectors, Sinophiles, the Mingei movement, Arts and Crafts and those wishing to regain contact with nature in the vein of William Morris…all played their part in the social lattice of that tumultuous era. Interestingly, according to Ken Lonsinger: In 1861 the Arts and Crafts Movement got its biggest boost when Morris founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Co., a furniture, design and decorative accessories company that stressed time-honored craftsmanship and natural materials. The timing was perfect for in 1862 the London International Exhibition showcased never-before-seen Japanese arts and Crafts, which had an immediate effect on design. England quickly became enamored with this new look and began shedding the layers of Victorian clutter from its homes. Also in the arts, much has been written about Japanese influence on the birth of impressionism and Art Nouveau, and will likely become more clear over time the Japanese influence on Art Deco, the Art-glass movement, the Beatnick culture, Minimalism, Bauhaus and other architectural trends of the 20th century. An article by Helena Capkova for Bauhaus insists: The impact of the Bauhaus teaching methods reached far beyond Germany. Conversely, throughout its existence, a Japanese sensibility permeated the Bauhaus, springing from the Japonisme of individual professors, until its closure in 1933.
That is a lot said about a ballot box, but perhaps a stimulus in these times of self isolation to expanding understanding of the true internationalization of art as influenced by various cultures over time. After all, no man is an Island unto himself.
A very rare Japanese Ballot Box of hinoki wood bound in decorative iron dating from the later 19th to early 20th century. This year the ballot is on everyone’s mind, and this is an exceptional example of both traditional Japanese decoration and cabinetry. It has locks on both sides of the lid, which can be removed to reveal an inner lid with hinged iron cover over a slot for dropping in the ballots. This inner lid as well is locked. Keys included, it is 35.5 x 21 x 27 cm (14 x 8 x 10-1/2 inches), in excellent condition and comes enclosed in a protective outer wood storage box. The prewar image of Japan as a democracy has been stained by the era of expansion, however a look into the democratic and labor movements of the Taisho era, known as “Taisho Democracy” will show that the same forces vied for power in Japan as vied for domination elsewhere during that time. The Japanese version of Democracy verses the anti-establishment, Universal Suffrage, Women’s Rights, Anarchists, Socialism, Communism, labor movements against the Zaibatsu, the push and pull of independence movements, the embracing of western philosophy and derision of Western empires in Asia (who it may be said treated their colonies no better than the Japanese did), Imperialists, Militarists, Conscientious objectors, Sinophiles, the Mingei movement, Arts and Crafts and those wishing to regain contact with nature in the vein of William Morris…all played their part in the social lattice of that tumultuous era. Interestingly, according to Ken Lonsinger: In 1861 the Arts and Crafts Movement got its biggest boost when Morris founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Co., a furniture, design and decorative accessories company that stressed time-honored craftsmanship and natural materials. The timing was perfect for in 1862 the London International Exhibition showcased never-before-seen Japanese arts and Crafts, which had an immediate effect on design. England quickly became enamored with this new look and began shedding the layers of Victorian clutter from its homes. Also in the arts, much has been written about Japanese influence on the birth of impressionism and Art Nouveau, and will likely become more clear over time the Japanese influence on Art Deco, the Art-glass movement, the Beatnick culture, Minimalism, Bauhaus and other architectural trends of the 20th century. An article by Helena Capkova for Bauhaus insists: The impact of the Bauhaus teaching methods reached far beyond Germany. Conversely, throughout its existence, a Japanese sensibility permeated the Bauhaus, springing from the Japonisme of individual professors, until its closure in 1933.
That is a lot said about a ballot box, but perhaps a stimulus in these times of self isolation to expanding understanding of the true internationalization of art as influenced by various cultures over time. After all, no man is an Island unto himself.