As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this simple yet quite magical silver mounted iron vase from the great Meiji Period , the artist has captured a Tanuki (often called a Racoon dog) sat amidst foliage, the Tanuki carved in high relief amongst onlaid silver and gold grasses and flora, the Tanuki has been significant in Japanese folklore since ancient times and is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise , but somewhat gullible and absentminded. It is also a common theme in Japanese art, especially statuary and paintings , the vase is made from Iron and is solid silver mounted to the base and neck, signed in a carved signature with gold seal by an artist known as Hisayuki (alternative pronunciation of the name Toshiyuki , and also Kazuyuki) a superb iron vase in traditional Japanese style and now a scarce commodity in this mixed media .Provenance: This vase was amongst a small but high quality group of Japanese items bequeathed ...