A Pair of Japanese Gilt Bronze 'Butterflies' Ornamental Architectural Studs, Momoyama Period
日本桃山時代 銅鎏金蝴蝶式門首一對

Momoyama Period (Early 17th Century)

During the Momoyama and Edo periods, Japan experienced a significant boom in the construction of castles and villas. In the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, communities expanded—older towns grew while new ones were founded. This surge in development was closely tied to the country’s rapid economic growth and political reorganization under the successive leadership of three powerful military figures: Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536–1598), and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542–1616), who brought an end to a long era of civil strife.

The proliferation of new residences for the feudal aristocracy and their retainers created a demand for elegant decoration and furnishings. These two butterfly ornaments are fine examples of the architectural embellishments used to enhance the simplicity of wooden interiors, either as decorative accents or as studs to conceal joints and nails. Their large scale suggests they were intended for a grand and imposing structure.

Cast in bronze, the butterflies were then intricately chased and hammered to define their form and markings, with selective areas finished in gilt and silver. They possess a striking sculptural quality, with the artist cleverly angling the heads to reveal both eyes—a subtle yet expressive detail. One can imagine these magnificent butterflies affixed high on the natural wood beams of a room, complementing wall panels, or fusuma, painted with birds, flowers, or landscapes. They evoke the height of sumptuous refinement that defined the Momoyama period.

Width of each 10 1/2 in., 26.7 cm.

Property from a Private Collection, Chicago, Illinois.

This lot is located in Chicago.