A GILT BRONZE KATSUMA WITH MATCHING LOTUS TRAY,... Lot n° 3

A GILT BRONZE KATSUMA WITH MATCHING LOTUS TRAY, KAMAKURA Japan, 13th century, Kamakura period (1185-1333) Of typical form, with finely carved and engraved lotus decorations and skillfully gilded. Supported on a similarly crafted tray in the form of a lotus blossom with a foliate rim and raised central section. DIAMETER 14.9 cm (the tray), WIDTH 15.3 cm (the katsuma) WEIGHT (total) 1,104 g Condition: Very good condition with some wear, minimal casting flaws, rubbing to gilt, occasional light scratches, few minuscule nicks. The form of the katsuma, sometimes referred to as a cross-shaped vajra, is thought to have originated from a projectile weapon used in ancient India. This katsuma would have been placed at the four corners of a mandala during Buddhistic ceremony. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related gilt bronze katsuma, dated 13th century, in the Tokyo National Museum, object number E-15504. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related gilt-bronze katsuma with lotus tray, together with a second ritual object and tray, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 1 December 2023, Vienna, lot 32 ( sold for EUR 14,300). Compare a closely related katsuma, dated 14th-15th century, at Sotheby’s, The Edith & Stuart Cray Welch Collection, 25 October 2023, London, lot 54 ( estimate GBP 8,000-10,000).