Asahi Shoten Japanese Sterling Silver Repoussé Bowl
Hollowware (Bowl / Compote) · Asahi Shoten. Founded in 1900 in Tokyo, Japan, Asahi Shoten is one of the most prestigious Japanese silversmiths, originally established to cater to foreign visitors and embassies in the Yokohama area. They are highly regarded for their high-purity silver and intricate hand-wrought designs.
Pattern: Chrysanthemum and Floral Repoussé. This is a traditional Japanese motif often associated with royalty and auspiciousness. While not a trade-named Western pattern, it is a hallmark design of the Meiji and Taisho export eras.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl / Compote)
Maker
Asahi Shoten. Founded in 1900 in Tokyo, Japan, Asahi Shoten is one of the most prestigious Japanese silversmiths, originally established to cater to foreign visitors and embassies in the Yokohama area. They are highly regarded for their high-purity silver and intricate hand-wrought designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.950 or .927 standard). The piece is likely 95% silver, which is standard for high-quality Japanese export silver, indicated by the 'Sterling' or 'Silver' marks and the reputation of the maker. It is solid throughout with no base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 15-20cm (6-8 inches). Estimated weight: 250-400 grams. Japanese hollowware of this type is typically medium-sized, suitable for use as a fruit bowl or decorative centerpiece.
Description
This exquisite Japanese sterling silver bowl by Asahi Shoten showcases the pinnacle of mid-century Japanese metalcraft. Featuring a lush, continuous band of repoussé chrysanthemums, the piece captures light beautifully across its hand-hammered surfaces. The form is elegant and sturdy, resting on three stylized feet, making it both a functional serving piece and a masterful work of decorative art.
Key Features
Deeply embossed '950' or 'Sterling' quality silver; Asahi Shoten maker's mark; intricate chrysanthemum repoussé; hand-hammered background; tripod footed design.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.950 or .927 standard). The piece is likely 95% silver, which is standard for high-quality Japanese export silver, indicated by the 'Sterling' or 'Silver' marks and the reputation of the maker. It is solid throughout with no base metal.
Finish & Decoration
The finish features high-relief repoussé and chasing depicting chrysanthemums. The background is hand-hammered to create a 'martelé' texture, and the interior is likely a high-mirror polish. It exhibits the Rococo-influenced Japanese Art Nouveau style popular in late 19th and early 20th-century exports.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item bears several distinct marks on the base: a rectangular maker's mark containing 'ASAHI' and 'STERLING', accompanied by Japanese kanji characters ('银制' meaning Silver Made). Notably, there is a modern 'MADE IN JAPAN' sticker, suggesting it may be a mid-20th-century production or a vintage export piece.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and hand-wrought. The bowl was formed from a single sheet of silver. The decorative elements were created through repoussé (pushing the metal from the back) and chasing (detailing from the front), evidenced by the mirrored indentations visible on the interior surface.
Functional Features
Three-footed base design for stability. The flared rim and deep basin suggest use for serving or display. The feet appear to be cast and then soldered to the body.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present. The 'grip' consists of the textured, repoussé outer walls which provide a tactile surface for lifting and handling.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality handmanship is evident in the lack of 'seams.' The depth of the floral relief indicates a skilled artisan who could move the metal significantly without causing tears or thinning. The feet are expertly blended into the base with clean solder joints.
Authentication Indicators
The 'ASAHI' maker's mark is consistent with known examples from the Tokyo workshop. The construction shows clear evidence of hand-tooling rather than machine-pressing. The 'Silver' kanji stamp matches the era of production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Tokyo, Japan. Manufactured by the Asahi Shoten workshop, known for blending traditional Japanese metalwork techniques with Western forms to satisfy international markets.
Era & Period
Showa Era / Mid-Century Modern Export. While the style is rooted in Meiji-era traditions (late 1800s), the specific marking and 'Made in Japan' sticker suggest a production date between 1945 and 1970.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The presence of the blue 'Made in Japan' sticker and the specific font of the sterling stamp are characteristic of the post-WWII export boom.
Cultural Significance
The chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Japanese Emperor and represents longevity and rejuvenation. This bowl reflects the era when Japanese craftsmen adapted their traditional 'Kinko' (metalwork) skills to create Western-style functional objects for a global market.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There are visible surface scratches and 'flea bites' consistent with age and use. Natural tarnish is present in the recessed areas of the floral design, which enhances the depth of the repoussé. No major dents or structural repairs are visible.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD. Value is driven by the weight of the silver and the prestige of the Asahi Shoten name. Pieces with original retail stickers or boxes often command the higher end of the range.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Use a soft-bristled brush to reach into the deep recesses of the flower petals where tarnish accumulates. Avoid silver 'dips' as they can strip the desirable antique patina from the chased lines.
Similar Pieces
K. Uyeda Silver bowls (competitor); Miyamoto Shoko repoussé items. While similar in floral theme, Asahi Shoten pieces are often noted for slightly heavier gauge silver and more pronounced hammer marks.
Interesting Facts
Asahi Shoten was the first silversmith in Japan to be appointed as a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency. Their shop in the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, was a famous destination for American travelers and dignitaries during the 20th century.