This volume introduces 161 examples from the greatest group of Meiji-period masterpieces in metal ever assembled, decorated in an astonishing variety of virtuoso techniques and drawing on a vast store of subject matter derived from Chinese and Japanese history, legend, and religion.

It includes a vast and hitherto unknown bronze incense-burner by Suzuki Chokichi (1848-1919), an exquisitely decorated elephant incense-burner by Shoami Katsuyoshi (1832-1908), a large group of iron pieces decorated in gold by the Komai family of Kyoto, and ornaments commissioned from leading artists by the Ozeki company.

Kano Natsuo (1828-98), the outstanding decorative metalworker of 19th century Japan, is represented by a table-screen in shibuichi, and there is another screen of Shoki the demon-queller, by his great contemporary Unno Shomin (1844-1915).

The sculptural highlight of the entire Collection is a group by Otake Norikuni (b. 1852) representing the deity Susanoo no Mikoto receiving the sacred jewel.