Antique Japanese bronze usubata, Meiji period. The usubata are used for floral arrangements, like a vase. This usubata is striking with a dragon supporting the vessel with one of its arms as its back arches. It measures 9" tall 12" wide at base.

Pair of bronze vases with mixed metal inlay of motif of herons perched and flying near a willow tree. The vase contains the inscription: Dai Nippon Kyoto Ju, Ikkodo Bunryu Atsuyoshi. Trans: Residing in Kyoto, Japan Ikkodo Bunryu Atsuyoshi followed by a kao or a distinctive signature of the artist. The artist, Miyabe Atsuyoshi was active during the Meiji period and paved the way for contemporary Takaoka Bronze art. Age: Meiji Period Size: Diameter: 3.25" Height: 9.75"

Antique Japanese bronze and mixed metal vase with a beautiful and highly raised design of blossoming magnolia branches and a small bird, great details, late Meiji Period. Size: 7" high

A resplendent Japanese cloisonne vase decorated with motif of a plant often seen during the autumn in Japan. The Japanese name is Hozuki, while in English it is known as either Japanese Lantern or Winter Cherry. The motif symbolize the height of autumn and the plant is often used in flower arrangements. Age: 19th century Size:Height: 7.5" Diameter: 3.25"

Antique pair of dramatic bronze censers, each with a warrior seated on top, the surface of each censer is decorated all over with ornate damascene (metal inlay) patterns, standing on four feet on stand inlaid with dragon, each leg is inlaid with the face of an oni (demon protector), each warrior sits on a rocky outcropping with hidden holes to allow incense smoke to escape dramatically around the figure, Meiji Period...

Beautiful Japanese antique Buddhist temple bell made of bronze or brass with repousse design of scrolling vines and chrysanthemums, long double-linked chain of hand foraged copper, both chain and bell all with lovely green patina, Meiji Period. Size: approximately 75" long including chain when hanging.

A letter open done in mixed metal with motif of cranes, chrysanthemums, magnolia-like flowers, and other flowering plants. The letter opener contains a signature that is difficult to read. Age: Meiji Period. Size: Length 13" Width 1.5"

A dramatic pair of Japanese okimono fighting cockerels, using the shokado method: mixture of bronze, gold and silver. The birds have naturalistic plumage and the fierce intensity of their fight is captured.

The artist has used this same technique in crafting a superior samurai sword onto this beautiful sculpture. The intertwined gestural pose of each bird gives the viewer the sense realism and drama of a cockerel fight...

Japanese Buddhist devotional plaque made of bronze with design of lotus blossoms and braided cord tied in a bow. This keman would have hung in a temple as an offering for the Buddha. Age: Meiji Period (19th century). Size: 14.50" high x 10.25" wide.

Rare large pair of beautiful original Japanese bronze temple lanterns with gilt highlights. A Sasarindo crest on the section where the light would be placed; the Sasarindo is the bamboo leaves and gentian flowers crest of the Minamoto clan.
The doors are fully functional. Each lantern is made of 6 individual cast bronze sections. A pearl in a flame sits on top of each lantern. Two very intricate dragons wrap around the lanterns. There are abundant motifs of dragons, flames and clouds...

Antique Japanese bronze usubata made of woven bronze. An usubata is a floral arranging container for ikebana. The base is made in the form of an open weave bamboo basket with a six point star pattern. The top is a close weave. The handles are bamboo branches with leaves climbing over the basket. Meiji period 1868-1912. It measures 12" wide 11" tall.

Antique Japanese iron sake server or sakatsugi. The body contains an image of a turtle, a symbol of longevity and used in festive and auspicious occasions. Next to the turtle, although hard to see, is a signature which reads Tosa no Kami Mitsusada, who was a painter from the Tosa School (1738-1806). The image on the sakatsugi is possibly based on a painting by the artist and was incorporated into the design...

Beautiful Japanese sterling silver overlaid glass stoppered decanter, the pinched form having a hand chased reticulated bamboo pattern overlay. Top with stylized etched letter "B". Age: Meiji - Taisho Period. Size: 8.75" Height x 4.75" width.

Refined tetsubin cast from iron with a bronze lid with a flower motif at the base of the lid's handle. Age: Taisho-Early Showa Period (1912-1920). Size: height 9.5" diameter 6.75"

Antique Japanese Meiji period, 1868-1912, bronze cast deer. The deer is lightly walking across a surface. Excellent naturalism. It measures 10" long 6" tall.

Antique Japanese bronze Bishamonten or guardian. Taisho period, 1912-1926. The Bishamonten is the protector of Buddhism, distributor of treasures and wealth and protector of warriors. He is the Shitenno guardian of the north, of riches and scourger of evil doers, and healer of illness. The Shitenno are the four heavenly guardians that protect the Buddha and his attendants. There is a seal on the base reading Nobu. It measures 38" tall.

Antique Japanese gumbai, war fan. It was sued mainly as a signaling device during war. Today, they are most often seen in use by sumo referees. It measures 21.5" long 11" wide. Meiji 1868-1912. Inscribed with the Hachimandaibosatsu, in the same style of calligraphy as the Tsuruoka shrine in Kamakura. It may have been as shrine offering or a decoration in the shrine. Made of white bronze with a pewter or silver handle.

Beautiful Japanese bronze vase of baluster shape with a dark patina. The body has a scene in relief of blossoming branch with a bees' nest and bees with gold inlaid eyes. Signed vase. Age: Meiji Period). Size: 13.625" H x 6.25" D.