Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Metalwork (2)

Antique vessel for washing brushes after writing or painting. Brown cast bronze with some green patina in the shape of a cob of corn still in inside the leaves. On the outside in simple engraved lines and leaves are indicated, and individual kernels.

Bottom flattened and with signature chiseled: Hidekazu (not identified).

Inside the basin, the short sides are both filled with a cement-like substance.

Japan, mid-19th century

H 3 x L 6.25 x W 2.25

Bronze with several dents and scratches, commensurate with extensive usage, small hole drilled in the tip. Few casting flaws (which are not really damages).

Set of two bronze ewers for pouring sake at a banquet or wedding ceremony. One sake ewer with a long handle and two spouts (called naga-e choshi), used to serve sake to guest. At smaller gatherings, only one spout is used; when larger numbers of people need to be served, both spouts may be used. The second sake ewer in kettle shape with a single spout (called hisage), used to transfer sake from the barrel to the choshi, as a sort of decanter.
The sides of each ewer finely engraved with the auspicious symbols of pine trees, bamboo, cranes and a minogame; spouts and handles engraved with pines and bamboo; the bottoms engraved with a large lotus flower. Excellent workmanship.
Japan, Edo period, 19th century.

Kettle ewer: H 8.4 x W 9.5 inches
Ewer with long handle: H 5 x L 19.25 inches

Few abrasions, all in all excellent condition