Antique Meiji Japanese mixed metal bronze vase with raised bird and floral relief, rich warm patina, and photo-documented age wear.
Details
• Item: Antique Japanese mixed-metal bronze vase
• Era: Meiji period, late 19th to early 20th century
• Origin: Japan
• Materials: Bronze base with mixed-metal applied decoration; decorative elements appear to include brass and copper-toned metals
• Style: Kachō-ga design with bird, flower, leaves, and botanical branches in raised relief
Dimensions:
• Height: Approx. 7 inches
• Rim Diameter: Approx. 3.25 inches
• Base Diameter: Approx. 2.25 inches
• Weight: 1.67 pounds
• Maker’s Mark: No maker’s marks visible
Style Notes
• Color: Warm golden bronze with olive-bronze shading, darker brown accents, and bright brass/copper-toned highlights in the relief
• Texture: Smooth metal body with hand-worked incised lines and sculptural raised decoration
• Form: Tall, narrow vase with a softly flared rim, rounded shoulder, and tapered lower body
• Design Notes: The floral-and-bird motif is a classic Meiji decorative treatment, with layered mixed-metal details that give the surface depth and movement
• Visual Character: This piece shifts nicely in the light, reading as a mellow antique bronze overall with brighter metallic contrast on the bird and leaf details
Suggested Uses: Beautiful as a standalone display piece on a bookshelf, cabinet, writing desk, or side table; works especially well in a collected interior, study, or library-inspired space
• Visual Character: This piece shifts nicely in the light, reading as a mellow antique bronze overall with brighter metallic contrast on the bird and leaf details
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
• Relief bird, flower, and leaf details remain clearly defined and visually striking
• Vase displays well from the front and has strong decorative presence
• Rim and body appear structurally intact in the photos
• No visible maker’s mark, but the form and mixed-metal relief are consistent with Meiji-period decorative metalwork
• Interior opening appears stable and usable for display
• Bottom is intact with expected surface wear from age and handling
Issues / Wear
• Noticeable age-related surface wear throughout
• Scattered scratches, rubbing, and finish variation visible across the body
• Areas of oxidation, dark spotting, and uneven patina are present
• Some visible finish loss and wear to the applied mixed-metal decoration, especially on several leaves and raised details
• Darker discoloration is visible near the shoulder/upper body area
• Surface shows patchy tonal variation, including worn and slightly duller areas
• Interior is darkened from age
• Base shows surface wear, scratching, and finish inconsistency
• No obvious cracks or holes are visible in the photos, but this is an antique decorative object with visible overall wear
Collector’s Notes
A handsome example of Japanese Meiji mixed-metal work, with the bird-and-botanical motif collectors often look for
The layered relief, mellow bronze tone, and honest age wear give it the kind of character that feels right at home in a thoughtful antique collection
A beautiful display piece with real age, warmth, and shelf presence.
Please review all photos closely—they’re part of the description and show the exact item you’ll receive
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
