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Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–taisho Period
Ritas Bazaar
for sale €702     $762
£600

Ritas Bazaar

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Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–taisho Period

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A Japanese archaistic bronze hu vase dating to the Meiji–Taisho period, cast in bronze and finished with mechanical working and natural patination. The vase is directly associated with the Takaoka bronze-working circle of Toyama Prefecture, an important centre for decorative bronze production in late 19th- and early 20th-century Japan. The connection is supported by the workshop seal applied to the base.

The vessel follows the traditional hu form with flared mouth, compact rounded body and raised foot. While derived from ancient Chinese ritual bronzes, the form was reinterpreted by Japanese workshops for decorative and interior use. Mask-form handles, archaistic ornament and a calm red-brown patina reflect Japanese interpretations of classical Chinese bronze models.

The bronze casting is substantial and heavy, with thick walls and a dark interior coating consistent with Japanese bronzes of the period. The oval workshop seal is worn and partially obscured by patination; several readings are possible, though its format and placement support the Takaoka attribution.

Dimensions:

Height: 32 cm

Maximum diameter: 20.7 cm

Weight: 3887 g

Condition:

Good antique condition. The bronze shows an even, stable patina consistent with age and prolonged use. Minor surface wear and small casting irregularities typical of period bronze work. The workshop seal on the base is worn and partially illegible due to age and patination. No cracks, repairs or structural damage observed.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Physical Dimensions
Height
32cm (12.60")
Width
20.7cm (8.15")
Depth
20.7cm (8.15")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Bronze Hu Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1193038
Dealers Internal Reference
B1619
Description
A Japanese archaistic bronze hu vase dating to the Meiji–Taisho period, cast in bronze and finished with mechanical working and natural patination.
The vase is directly associated with the Takaoka bronze-working circle of Toyama Prefecture, an important centre for decorative bronze production in late 19th- and early 20th-century Japan.
Ritas Bazaar

The connection is supported by the workshop seal applied to the base.

fig 1. A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
fig 1. Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–taisho Period

The vessel follows the traditional hu form with flared mouth, compact rounded body and raised foot. While derived from ancient Chinese ritual bronzes, the form was reinterpreted by Japanese workshops for decorative and interior use. Mask-form handles, archaistic ornament and a calm red-brown patina reflect Japanese interpretations of classical Chinese bronze models.

fig 2. A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
fig 2. Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–taisho Period

The bronze casting is substantial and heavy, with thick walls and a dark interior coating consistent with Japanese bronzes of the period. The oval workshop seal is worn and partially obscured by patination; several readings are possible, though its format and placement support the Takaoka attribution.

fig 3. A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
fig 3. Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–taisho Period

Dimensions:

Height: 32 cm

Maximum diameter: 20.7 cm

Weight: 3887 g

Condition:

Good antique condition. The bronze shows an even, stable patina consistent with age and prolonged use. Minor surface wear and small casting irregularities typical of period bronze work. The workshop seal on the base is worn and partially illegible due to age and patination. No cracks, repairs or structural damage observed.

fig 4. A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
fig 4. Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–taisho Period

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Height
32cm (12.60")
Width
20.7cm (8.15")
Depth
20.7cm (8.15")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Bronze Hu Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1193038
Dealers Internal Ref
B1619
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
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Archive I A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.

Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–Taisho Period

Archive II A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View II
Archive III A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View III
Archive IV A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View IV
Archive V A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View V
Archive VI A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View VI
Archive VII A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View VII
Archive VIII A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View VIII
Archive IX A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View IX
Archive X A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View X
Archive XI A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View XI
Archive XII A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View XII
Archive XIII A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View XIII
Archive XIV A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View XIV
Archive XV A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View XV
Archive XVI A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist. View XVI
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Verified Since Nov 2025
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Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
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Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
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A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
Japanese Archaistic Bronze Hu Vase, Takaoka School, Meiji–Taisho Period
Ref: SA1193038
A cast dark bronze Japanese archaistic hu vase featuring dragon head handles and intricate carved relief bands around the neck and waist.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

A Japanese archaistic bronze Hu vase is a metal vessel produced during periods such as Meiji or Taisho that draws design inspiration from ancient Chinese ritual bronze forms, featuring classical motifs like taotie masks and stylised dragon handles.

These pieces were typically created using lost-wax or sand casting techniques, followed by hand-chiseling, chasing, and the application of chemical patination to achieve deep brown or reddish tones.

Authentic period bronzes display refined chasing work, substantial weight, precise joinery, and a natural patinated surface with subtle wear in handled areas rather than artificially applied uniform coatings.

Position the vase as a focal accent on a sideboard, marble fireplace mantel, or open shelving unit where its rich metallic tone and graphic relief carvings contrast against neutral, understated backgrounds.

Clean gently with a soft dry cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove dust, avoiding abrasive cleaners or chemical polishes that strip historic patina; a light application of neutral microcrystalline wax can protect the surface.
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