Pair Of Usubata Vases, Japan Circa 1880, Bronze - Gold - Silver

A pair of sumptuous Japanese "Usubata" - "with a thin rim" bronze vases, with intricate decorations made using the inlay technique. From the 17th century, vases of this type were used to organize flower arrangements, especially for important occasions and holidays. Scenes of playing boys and stylized trees with leaves and flowers were shown. Inlaid surfaces are made from a variety of metals, including gold, silver, copper, shakudō (an alloy of 4-10 % gold with 90-94 % copper) and shibuichi (an alloy of silver and copper, made in various proportions, sometimes with a small addition of gold). Extremely precise and complex work, which is seen by the attention to detail and very small ornaments. From the 1860s, products of this type became a demonstration of the extraordinary abilities of Japanese craftsmanship and began to cause a stir in international exhibitions, often purchased directly by European and American museums. Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1880, possibly the area of the towns of Takaoka or Kanazawa. Height: 45.5 cm. The condition is visible in the photos, very good. There are traces of wax on the top, someone must have used it as a candle holder. Auction information and results: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25429/lot/219/ https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/187077 https://core.ac.uk / reader / 70325420 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/publications/japan-courts-and-culture/pair-of-bronze-vases