One gold shakudo Meiji period bronze vase with carp and wisteria

This fine bronze vase was made in Meiji era Japan, a time of prolific artistic and decorative production, and features a carp swimming amongst wysteria, rendered in high relief.

Highly ornate and artistic, foliage hangs down from the top of the tall, tapering, neck, while a large carp decorates the bottom half. The eyes of the carp are decorated with gold in the shakudo technique, a particularly skilful artistic practice of inlay, reserved for works of the highest order.

The piece is stamped and engraved for the maker in Japanese. Dating to the late nineteenth century, it is a delightful decorative piece, minimalist, artistic, and with a highly pleasing character and charm.