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

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

Japanese circular bronze dish with an engraved decoration of a bucolic landscape as well as a sishi and two ahrats (saints of the Buddhist pantheon) figured in relief and partially gilded (technique known as taka zogan). At the bottom of the scene, depicted at the edge of a stream, evolves a sishi (Buddhist lion) with shimmering coat, head turned towards the sky. It is framed by two arhats (saints of the Buddhist pantheon) represented standing and dressed in the monastic habit. The one on the right holds a basket (hanakago) filled with flowers, head turned to the left staring at the sishi, the one on the right gazes and arms stretched upwards and holding a bowl filled with offerings.
Signed Yamamoto Sei.
Note the great finesse brought to the details of the elements of the relief.