100208 | JAPAN. Commemorative bronze Medal.

100208 | JAPAN. Commemorative bronze Medal. Dated 1920. The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) of Kamakura (58mm, 92.97 g, 12h). Struck by K. Hattori in Ginza.

 

KAMAKURA / OCT 11 1920, frontal view of Kōtoku-in (buddhist temple with Buddha statue) along with other idyllic scenes from Kamakura; all elaborately divided by yin-yang / Two pigeons, with three gingko leaves around. Edge: Plain.

 

Cf. Coin Galleries (9 December 2009), lot 1197 (for a similar piece with box). Gem Mint State. Rich, impeccable red-brown surfaces with a brilliant luster; includes original balsa wood box of issue, marked 纪念 (memento) on outer lid and "K Hattori / Art Jeweller / Ginza Tokyo" on inner lid.

 

Kintaro Hattori was the founder of what is now the Seiko company, famous for its watches, jewelry, and optical products. The Daibutsu of Kamakura, one of the most famous icons of Japan, was the subject of a poem penned by Rudyard Kipling after visiting the statue in 1892. An extremely interesting and attractive piece.