Japanese Bronze Tsubo Vase 19th Century

Name: Antique Oriental Japanese Large Fine Quality Bronze Tsubo Vase Meiji C1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA917626
Price: 1256 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Outstanding Quality Large Antique Japanese Bronze Vase

1900

Pair of Antique Decorative Meiji Vases, Japanese, Bronze, Bouquet Pot, Victorian

Victorian

Pair Large (8kg) Japanese Bronze Vases,c1880

19th Century

Very Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Vases Meiji Period

1900

Pair Large Japanese Bronze Vases, C1890

19th Century

Pair 19th Century Japanese Bronze Vases (Signed)

1880

Very Large Pair Japanese Bronze Vases

Victorian

Japanese Porcelain Vase with Lacquer Over Black Paint (30cm). Koi. Circa 1880

1880

Very Large Pair of Presentation Japanese Bronze Vases Dated 1903 Meiji Period

1900

A 19th Century Japanese Vase

19th Century

A Pair of Large Japanese Bronze Vases, Meiji Period.

Victorian

Pair of Antique Stem Vases, Japanese, Bronze, Meiji Era, Baluster Urn, Victorian

Victorian

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

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.

Secure Transit

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.

The Sustainable Choice

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.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectVases
Period19th century
StyleMeiji Period
MaterialBronze
ColourDark Brown
MotifsFlared rim, Drip relief motif, Tapered body, Curved shoulder

This Japanese bronze Tsubo vase originates from the Meiji period around 1880. Cast in a dark brown finish with a rich patina, the vessel takes a classic form with a wide flared rim, a curved shoulder, and a tapered body. The shoulder displays a melted-wax-like relief decoration that drips down the upper portion. Minor knocks, signs of use, and a fine eight-centimetre scratch on the shoulder mark the surface. Measuring 24 cm in height and 25 cm in diameter with a 12 cm throat diameter, the piece weighs 3.8 kg. It comes housed in an original wooden box and may not be watertight, so an interior liner is recommended if used for cut flowers. The vase stands as a decorative display object suited for the top of a sideboard in a gentleman's library or a living space.

FAQs

A Tsubo is a traditional Japanese vessel form featuring a wide or rounded body and flared neck. During the Meiji era (18681912), Japanese metalsmiths produced exceptional bronze objects, transitioning traditional sword-making craftsmanship into fine decorative art for domestic and international export.

Japanese bronze vessels were predominantly crafted using lost-wax casting (cire perdue) techniques combined with hand-carved, chased, or applied relief work. The metal alloy typically consisted of copper, tin, and zinc, treated with chemical patination recipes to achieve deep, rich brown or dark brown tones.

Authentic Meiji bronzes display high-density weight, detailed hand-chasing, and natural surface patination acquired over time. Look for subtle variations in cast relief details, hand-finished foot rims, and signature marks (meikou) often incised into the base by the master craftsman or foundry.

A Japanese bronze Tsubo vase functions as a focal sculptural piece on modern credenzas, sideboards, or low coffee tables. Its rich patina and tactile relief design complement warm wood furniture, minimalist Scandinavian interiors, and contemporary dark-toned decor schemes.

Maintain antique bronze by dusting regularly with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid using water, abrasive metal cleaners, or chemical solvents, which can damage the original patination; a thin coat of clear microcrystalline wax can be applied periodically to protect the surface.

Prior and Willis

Antique Oriental Japanese Large Fine Quality Bronze Tsubo Vase Meiji C1880

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Outstanding Quality Large Antique Japanese Bronze Vase

Pair of Antique Decorative Meiji Vases, Japanese, Bronze, Bouquet Pot, Victorian

Pair Large (8kg) Japanese Bronze Vases,c1880