One Japanese Meiji period bronze flower vase with entwined birds

Of an exceptionally elegant and unusual design, this fine bronze vase consisting of a pair of entwined birds beneath a sweeping arc-beam was made in Japan during the Meiji period, an important and prolific period of artistic production in Japanese history.

It consists of a pair of birds with their heads raised, one in front of the other craning their necks up beneath a single arcing bronze beam that sweeps above the composition. The feathers and texture of the birds to the back contrasts with the smooth form of the birds' fronts, the curvature of their wings and forms aligned in order to create a dynamic, pleasing design. A circular opening sits at the centre, angled slightly to one side, in which to place flowers.

Meiji period Japan was a period of great artistic production and revolution. Craftsmen traditionally employed in the making of arms and armour turned their hands to more artistic pursuits, with wonderfully varied and creative results, including fine decorative wares such as this bronze flower vase here.