Asian Art

The Widener University Art Collection & Gallery has a collection of Asian Art that includes 55 Japanese bronzes. Of these are 12 very fine Japanese Meiji period inlaid, carved, and patinated bronze vases from the Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (Company for the Establishment of Industry and Commerce), Tokyo, 1874-1890, by various designers, "hammerers," and sculptors (including inlay artists).

The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (Company for the Establishment of Industry and Commerce) of Tokyo was founded in 1874 by Matsuo Gisuke and Kensabura Wakai (and later Tadamasa Hayashi) with the purpose of manufacturing high-level craft articles of many types (including bronze, cloisonné, ceramics, lacquer, etc.). The impetus for the founding of such a firm appears to have been the keen interest shown by Europeans for Japanese products at the Vienna World Exhibition in 1873.

For, shortly following this exhibition, the British asked the Japanese government to cooperate with a British firm (Alexander Park Co.) in rebuilding the Japanese pavilion on a site in London. They agreed, but the reluctance of the Japanese government to become directly involved in the manufacture and sale of works of art led to the establishment of an independent (although government-backed) firm to do this. Thus the Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was born.

Art Gallery & Collection
University Center
1st floor

One University Place
Chester, PA 19034
tel: 610-499-1189
fax: 610-499-4425

Rebecca M. Warda
Collections Manager
rmwarda@widener.edu

Hours of Operation
Tuesdays
10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Wednesdays–Saturdays
10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.