Monumental Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Vase with Dragon & Phoenix, Pat & Gold

Description

Monumental Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase with High Relief Dragon, Phoenix, Shishi and Turtles, two toned deep chocolate brown patina with gold highlights This palace size Japanese Meiji period bronze vase is formed in a tall baluster shape rising from a wide circular foot to a rounded body, surmounted by a flared trumpet neck with a broad everted rim. The rim is encircled by a continuous key fret band in low relief. The neck is dominated by a high relief dragon coiled around the surface, its scaled body wrapping tightly with extended claws and a curling tail. The dragon’s head projects outward, grasping a spherical pearl beneath its chin, surrounded by flame scrolls in relief. The rounded body is encircled by a continuous sculptural composition of a phoenix in flight among flowering branches and stylized trees, with layered wings and elongated tail feathers rendered in chased detail. Shishi appear on the body in active poses amid flowers and foliage, their manes and muscular forms modeled in relief. The base is decorated with turtles emerging from stylized waves. The surface retains a deep brown patina with warm highlights, and the modeling throughout is sharp and well defined. This vase dates to the Meiji period of Japan, when bronze workshops produced large scale works intended for palace interiors and international exhibitions. The form and iconography reflect established auspicious themes rendered through sectional casting and detailed chasing. During the Meiji period, Japanese bronze artisans refined casting methods to achieve complex high relief decoration integrated with vessel forms. The dragon represents strength and imperial authority, while the phoenix symbolizes renewal and harmony. The shishi, positioned among flowers on the body, are protective creatures associated with guardianship. The turtles confined to the base signify longevity and endurance. The inclusion of flowering branches and stylized trees further reinforces themes of prosperity and continuity within the decorative program. H: 36 inches Diameter: 17 inches

Details

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