Pair Of Japanese Bronze Vases, Decorated With High Relief—meiji Era (1868–1912)

Pair of bronze vases, oval in cross-section and with a scalloped outline, featuring two dragon-head handles and resting on four bird-shaped feet.

On the flat sides of the vases are two different scenes, rendered in high relief, depicting birds moving among a sinuous, flower-filled plant motif. The “flowers and birds” motif, which symbolizes renewal, is part of the classical repertoire of Japanese decorative art. Each vase stands on a base consisting of four birds, the tips of whose beaks rest on the ground. These vases are primarily intended for ornamental purposes but can also be used as incense burners.

The circular seals found beneath the vases certify their Japanese origin to both Japanese and foreign buyers, specify the city where they were created (in this case: Kyoto) and indicate the name of the workshop (here: Yoshida). These stamps were used during the Meiji era, a period of Japan’s opening to the world that coincided with a time of intense interest in Asian aesthetics in Europe.

Length at the ends of the handles: 17.5 cm
Width at the ends of the feet: 11.5 cm
Height: 19.3 cm