Japan, Meiji Period (1868 - 1912), Patinated Bronze Dish With Engraved Decoration Of A Bucolic Landscape And Three Arhats

Japan
Meiji period (1868 – 1912)
Bronze with brown patina and gilt highlights
26.8cm
Metal weathering
Private collection

Japanese circular bronze dish with engraved decoration of a bucolic landscape and three ahrats (saints of the Buddhist pantheon) figured in relief and partially gilded (technique known as taka zogan). Located at the top of the scene, a first arhat evolves in a register of clouds, coat in the wind and wearing a large headgear, both hands holding his pilgrim staff (shakujô). At the bottom of the scene are two other arhats represented seated and dressed in a large cloth. The one on the right side is sheltered under a flowering tree and is holding in his right hand at face level an alms bowl from which springs a fountain of water, his second gaze turned towards his fellow student, palms turned towards the sky.

Signed Yamamoto Sei.
Note the great finesse brought to the details of the elements of the relief.