Antique Japanese Bronze Dragon Vase | Meiji Period Hand-Chased Relief (20cm)

A superb antique Japanese bronze dragon vase dating to the late Meiji to early Taisho period, circa 1895-1915.

This impressive cast bronze vase is decorated with a magnificent single continuous dragon that coils around the entire body in high relief, emerging from stylised clouds and waves. Unlike many decorative bronzes where the ornament is confined to individual panels, the dragon on this example forms one flowing composition, demonstrating a far more sophisticated design.

The dragon displays beautifully modelled features including a horned head, flowing whiskers, finely chased scales, clawed feet and a sweeping mane, all finished with excellent hand chasing after casting. The rich chocolate-brown patina has developed naturally over many decades and enhances the depth of the relief.

The underside bears an impressed Japanese workshop seal within a decorative cartouche. While the seal has become too worn to attribute confidently to a named foundry, its form and placement are entirely consistent with Japanese workshop marks of the Meiji period.

Research & Attribution

This vase has been carefully studied by comparing its construction, modelling and decorative style with documented Japanese export bronzes of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Several characteristics support an attribution to the late Meiji or very early Taisho period (circa 1895-1915):

• High quality cast bronze with extensive hand-chased finishing.

• Continuous dragon composition wrapping around the vessel rather than isolated decorative panels.

• Natural aged bronze patina with warm chocolate and reddish copper tones.

• Traditional impressed workshop seal to the underside.

• Construction, weight and finishing consistent with quality Japanese export bronzes produced during the flourishing period of Japanese decorative arts following the Meiji Restoration, when Japan became internationally celebrated for its exceptional metalwork.

While it has not been attributed to one of the famous Tokyo foundries such as Seiya or Miyao, stylistically it shares many characteristics with quality Kyoto workshop production of the period, where elegant flowing compositions and restrained modelling were favoured.

This is an excellent example of antique Japanese decorative bronze and would make a striking addition to any collection of Meiji art, Japanese antiques or Asian interiors.

Measurements

Height: 20 cm

Maximum diameter: 18 cm

Weight: 1,398 g

Condition

Very good antique condition.

The bronze retains an attractive original aged patina with expected light surface wear consistent with age and careful use. Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

A beautiful and increasingly sought-after example of Japanese Meiji bronze craftsmanship.