How do I identify a Meiji period dragon bronze?

Meiji period pieces usually display high levels of naturalistic detail in the musculature and scales of the dragon. Look for dynamic poses where the creature wraps around a vase, lamp stem, or glass sphere. Makers from this era often utilised advanced patination techniques to achieve deep, rich brown tones on the metal surface. These items frequently date between 1868 and 1912.

What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese bronzes?

Chinese bronze pieces, particularly from the Qing dynasty, often draw upon archaistic forms like Hu vases and ritual shapes with symbolic motifs. Japanese bronzes from the Meiji era tend toward dynamic, sculptural realism and intricate surface casting. Both traditions utilise bronze as a primary medium, but the stylistic execution of the dragon reflects the distinct aesthetic priorities of each culture.

Were these dragon bronzes always used as lamps?

Many items started as vases, censers, or garden okimono before being converted into table lamps during later periods. Original lamp fittings are uncommon on 19th-century pieces. Buyers should examine the wiring holes and mountings to understand how and when the conversion took place without diminishing the integrity of the original casting.

How should I clean an antique bronze dragon?

Antique bronzes require minimal intervention to preserve their historic patination. Dust the piece gently with a dry, soft brush and avoid commercial metal polishes. Applying harsh cleaning agents strips the surface patina and destroys the aged appearance that collectors value. Professional conservation is only necessary if active corrosion appears.

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Cast Bronze Dragon

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A cast bronze dragon brings centuries of mythical presence into a room, taking the form of finely detailed table lamps, garden okimono, and vases.

Impressive Original Bronze Japanese Elephant Table Lamp, Meiji Period 1868-1912

19th century

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Impressive Original Bronze Japanese Elephant Table Lamp, Meiji Period 1868-1912

From Koos Limburg Jnr. Scotland

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

lighting

Superb Pair of Liberty Bronze Wall Sconce

19th century

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Superb Pair of Liberty Bronze Wall Sconce

From Rams Head Antiques

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

lighting

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

19th century

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

From Ritas Bazaar

£600

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Pair of Ornate Victorian Gilt Bronze Ewers

19th century

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Pair of Ornate Victorian Gilt Bronze Ewers

From Rebecca Sarah Antiques

£725

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Monumental Japanese Garden Temple Vase / Water Feature

1900 - 1920

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Monumental Japanese Garden Temple Vase / Water Feature

From Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

£22,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Huge Pair of Japanese Bronze Usubata Garden Urns

19th century

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Huge Pair of Japanese Bronze Usubata Garden Urns

From Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

£14,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Unusual Quality Antique Japanese Bronze Vase

1900 - 1920

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Unusual Quality Antique Japanese Bronze Vase

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

1900 - 1920

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Pair Japanese Bronze Table Lamps

From Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

£995

3+ MONTHS AGO

lighting

19th century

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Large Fine Quality Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase

From LVS Decorative Arts

£2,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Antique Censer Bowl, Japanese, Bronze, Incense Burner, Dragon, Edo, Victorian

19th century

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Antique Censer Bowl, Japanese, Bronze, Incense Burner, Dragon, Edo, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£2,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Listings feature items from the 17th century through the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with a strong concentration of Japanese Meiji period and Chinese Qing dynasty metalwork.

Pair Large (3.3kg) Chinese Bronze Vases,c1880

19th century

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Pair Large (3.3kg) Chinese Bronze Vases,c1880

From Curious Antiques

£795

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

19th century

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Pair Chinese Bronze Vases,c1880

From Curious Antiques

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Antique Decorative Planter, Chinese, Bronze, Jardiniere, Qing Dynasty, Victorian

19th century

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Antique Decorative Planter, Chinese, Bronze, Jardiniere, Qing Dynasty, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£1,495

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Pair of Antique Decorative Urns, Japanese, Bronze, Vase, Edo Period, Victorian

19th century

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Pair of Antique Decorative Urns, Japanese, Bronze, Vase, Edo Period, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£2,495

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

19th century

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A Pair of Oriental Bronze Jardinières.

From Carradale Farm Antiques

£1,650

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

19th century

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Antique Large 17" Fine Quality Japanese Oriental Bronze Urn Vase Meiji Period 19th Century

From Prior and Willis

£836

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

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Cast Bronze Dragon

Impressive Original Bronze Japanese Elephant Table Lamp, Meiji Period 1868-1912

Superb Pair of Liberty Bronze Wall Sconce

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

Pair of Ornate Victorian Gilt Bronze Ewers

Monumental Japanese Garden Temple Vase / Water Feature

Huge Pair of Japanese Bronze Usubata Garden Urns

Unusual Quality Antique Japanese Bronze Vase

Pair Japanese Bronze Table Lamps

Large Fine Quality Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase

Antique Censer Bowl, Japanese, Bronze, Incense Burner, Dragon, Edo, Victorian

Pair Large (3.3kg) Chinese Bronze Vases,c1880

Pair Chinese Bronze Vases,c1880

Antique Decorative Planter, Chinese, Bronze, Jardiniere, Qing Dynasty, Victorian

Pair of Antique Decorative Urns, Japanese, Bronze, Vase, Edo Period, Victorian

A Pair of Oriental Bronze Jardinières.

Antique Large 17" Fine Quality Japanese Oriental Bronze Urn Vase Meiji Period 19th Century

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