What characterises Japanese Meiji period bronze metalwork?

Metalwork from the Meiji period (18681912) is renowned for high-relief casting, intricate detail, and nature-inspired motifs such as birds, flowers, and natural landscapes.

What materials and techniques were used to create these bronze vases?

These pieces were produced using lost-wax casting techniques from bronze copper alloys, subsequently hand-chased and finished with patinas to create dark, textured surfaces.

How can one identify authentic 19th-century Japanese bronze metalwork?

Authentic pieces typically feature deep relief work, crisp hand-chased finishing details, naturalistic subject matter, and dark, age-appropriate patination rather than modern painted coatings.

How can Japanese bronze vases be styled in modern interiors?

Place them as a symmetrical pair on a mantelpiece, sideboard top, or deep window sill where light highlights the sculptural relief against dark metal tones.

How should antique patinated bronze vases be cleaned and maintained?

Dust regularly with a soft dry microfibre cloth, and avoid liquid cleaners, polishers, or moisture that could damage the original surface patina.

for sale €350 $380

£299

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Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

Name: Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234888
Price: 299 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Pair of 19th-Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

Brief Description:

This is a superb quality pair of 19th-century Japanese bronze vases, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Of compact cylindrical form, this attractive pair is particularly notable for the extensive high-relief decoration, with beautifully modelled birds perched and flying amongst flowering branches, foliage and blossom.

The decoration continues around the bodies, creating an almost sculptural appearance, with the projecting branches and birds standing prominently away from the bronze ground. The craftsmanship and naturalistic subject matter are wonderfully characteristic of Japanese decorative metalwork produced during the Meiji era.

Each vase has a subtly decorated upper rim and a broad, stepped circular foot, while the bronze has developed an appealing dark brown patina with warmer highlights to the raised decoration.

Although conceived as a pair, the individual arrangements of birds and foliage vary, making each vase interesting in its own right.

A charming and highly decorative pair of genuine Meiji-period Japanese bronzes, ideal for a collection of Japanese works of art or simply as attractive decorative pieces.

Attributes:

Japanese

Meiji Period

Bronze

Circa: Late 19th Century

Condition:

Good antique condition commensurate with age, with expected surface wear, marks and variations to the patina. Please study the photographs, which form part of the condition report.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 3.8'' | 9.6 cm

Width: 3.9'' | 9.9 cm

Depth: 3.9'' | 9.9 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome

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Physical Dimensions

Height

9.6cm (3.78")

Width

9.9cm (3.90")

Depth

9.9cm (3.90")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated these Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234888

Dealers Notes

CONTACT US:

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We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 01749 595 507

Mobile: 07784 085 135

Outside the UK:

Tel: 0044 1749 595 507

Cell: 0044 7784 085 135

PAYMENT:

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Square and Bank transfer (BACS).

Description

Pair of 19th-Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

Brief Description:

“

This is a superb quality pair of 19th-century Japanese bronze vases, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Artsonline

Of compact cylindrical form, this attractive pair is particularly notable for the extensive high-relief decoration, with beautifully modelled birds perched and flying amongst flowering branches, foliage and blossom.

fig 1. A pair of cylindrical dark patinated bronze vases featuring raised relief depictions of birds perched amongst cherry blossom branches. — fig 1. Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

The decoration continues around the bodies, creating an almost sculptural appearance, with the projecting branches and birds standing prominently away from the bronze ground. The craftsmanship and naturalistic subject matter are wonderfully characteristic of Japanese decorative metalwork produced during the Meiji era.

fig 2. A pair of cylindrical dark patinated bronze vases featuring raised relief depictions of birds perched amongst cherry blossom branches. — fig 2. Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

Each vase has a subtly decorated upper rim and a broad, stepped circular foot, while the bronze has developed an appealing dark brown patina with warmer highlights to the raised decoration.

Although conceived as a pair, the individual arrangements of birds and foliage vary, making each vase interesting in its own right.

fig 3. A pair of cylindrical dark patinated bronze vases featuring raised relief depictions of birds perched amongst cherry blossom branches. — fig 3. Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

A charming and highly decorative pair of genuine Meiji-period Japanese bronzes, ideal for a collection of Japanese works of art or simply as attractive decorative pieces.

Attributes:

Japanese

Meiji Period

Bronze

Circa: Late 19th Century

Condition:

Good antique condition commensurate with age, with expected surface wear, marks and variations to the patina. Please study the photographs, which form part of the condition report.

fig 5. A pair of cylindrical dark patinated bronze vases featuring raised relief depictions of birds perched amongst cherry blossom branches. — fig 5. Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 3.8'' | 9.6 cm

Width: 3.9'' | 9.9 cm

Depth: 3.9'' | 9.9 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

fig 6. A pair of cylindrical dark patinated bronze vases featuring raised relief depictions of birds perched amongst cherry blossom branches. — fig 6. Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

fig 7. A pair of cylindrical dark patinated bronze vases featuring raised relief depictions of birds perched amongst cherry blossom branches. — fig 7. Pair of 19th-century Japanese Meiji Bronze Vases – Birds & Blossom

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.