Japanese Meiji Bronze Vase with Cranes, Bamboo & Flowers, Antique c1890

Antique Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze vase, dating to around 1890–1910 and beautifully decorated in high relief with cranes, bamboo, flowers and foliage.

A particularly attractive small example of Japanese decorative metalwork, measuring just 12 cm tall but incorporating an impressive amount of detail. Cranes appear amongst dense botanical decoration, with individually modelled feathers, bamboo stems, leaves and flowers creating an almost sculptural surface.

The sides are finished with elaborate pierced flower-form handles, adding another layer of detail to this unusual little vase.

The vase appears to have been constructed in separate cast sections, with visible original joining seams and a separately fitted base plate. Solder associated with the construction can be seen around the underside. These features appear consistent with the manufacture of the piece rather than later repair.

The bronze has developed an attractive dark brown patina, with warmer bronze/copper tones showing naturally across some of the raised areas.

No maker’s signature has been identified.

A characterful and highly decorative piece of Japanese Meiji metalwork, particularly appealing for its compact size and remarkably detailed relief decoration.

DETAILS

• Origin: Japan
• Period: Meiji period
• Date: circa 1890–1910
• Material: Patinated bronze / copper alloy
• Decoration: Cranes, bamboo, flowers and foliage
• Height: 12 cm
• Width: approximately 6.5 cm
• Depth: approximately 5.5 cm
• Weight: approximately 252 g
• Unsigned

CONDITION

Antique condition with age-related surface wear and variation to the patina. Original construction seams are visible, including at the rim and body, together with the separately fitted base plate and associated soldering underneath.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition, construction and surface patina in detail.

The vase has deliberately not been polished in order to preserve its aged patinated surface.

A lovely display piece for a collection of Japanese antiques, Meiji metalwork or antique bronze.