Pair Japanese Usubata Ikebana Vases with Mixed Metal Meiji
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Large and finely inlaid mixed metal pair of Ikebana bronze vases, Meiji era, finely inlaid silver over bronze surface, cartouches with mixed metal birds, flowers, foliage, wonderful to find a matching pair. Measure 13 1/2" high, 7 1/4" diameter at top, and 5 3/8" diameter at base. Nice old patina, deep bronze color, mixed metals include silver, gold, and copper. There are four cartouche elements, on front and back of each vase. The rest of the vases are inlaid with inlaid silver geometric bands. The top sections are also nicely inlaid with designs, but there is a layer of patina over them so images are hard to see. This tall form is less common than the smaller and bulbous shapes, and pairs are always very desirable. Usubata were made in sections, often 4 to large size like these, but these do not seem to come apart other than the wide top section. Edo and Meiji bronze items were often made by highly skilled sword makers, who no longer were in demand for swords as the samurai era was over, so they turned to making sculpture, as well as utilitarian and decorative items. Condition shows some wear to finish, tarnish,verdigris, and slight dark spots, no missing inlay, dents or heavy abrasions. The vase section has posts on each side that likely held an ornamental handle. Holes in the sides of the base indicate that they may have been wired as lamps at some time. Antique with signs of wear and age, sold as is. Price is for pair. Please see all photos for details and email any questions. Shipping via USPS or Fedex with tracking and insurance. Due to value, will require a signature upon delivery. Shipping delays may occur.
Large and finely inlaid mixed metal pair of Ikebana bronze vases, Meiji era, finely inlaid silver over bronze surface, cartouches with mixed metal birds, flowers, foliage, wonderful to find a matching pair. Measure 13 1/2" high, 7 1/4" diameter at top, and 5 3/8" diameter at base. Nice old patina, deep bronze color, mixed metals include silver, gold, and copper. There are four cartouche elements, on front and back of each vase. The rest of the vases are inlaid with inlaid silver geometric bands. The top sections are also nicely inlaid with designs, but there is a layer of patina over them so images are hard to see. This tall form is less common than the smaller and bulbous shapes, and pairs are always very desirable. Usubata were made in sections, often 4 to large size like these, but these do not seem to come apart other than the wide top section. Edo and Meiji bronze items were often made by highly skilled sword makers, who no longer were in demand for swords as the samurai era was over, so they turned to making sculpture, as well as utilitarian and decorative items. Condition shows some wear to finish, tarnish,verdigris, and slight dark spots, no missing inlay, dents or heavy abrasions. The vase section has posts on each side that likely held an ornamental handle. Holes in the sides of the base indicate that they may have been wired as lamps at some time. Antique with signs of wear and age, sold as is. Price is for pair. Please see all photos for details and email any questions. Shipping via USPS or Fedex with tracking and insurance. Due to value, will require a signature upon delivery. Shipping delays may occur.
