Japanese Meiji Era Bronze Lotus Leaf Bowl, Vide Poche, ca. 1900

Although unmarked, this rare and important, grand but at the same exquisite patinated bronze vase has just a very few little details, defying the shape of the handles, as well as the...

Dimensions: Height (w/ skirt down): 6.75 inches (17cm). Height (w/ skirt up): 8.5 inches (21.25 cm). Diameter of marble base: 6.25 inches (15.63 cm). ...

This beautiful end of Meiji Period Japanese Kyoto Fuzan Satsuma Ware double-handled vase has a gold plated intricate infinite circular relief pattern design and two images of goddess...

This most unusual pair of original 18th century Japanese patinated bronze candelabras, uniquely designed as branches of mountain flowers entangled by a dragon, are mounted on the con...

ABOUT IRIS The iris is a special and mysterious flower. Not only because of its striking appearance, but also from an artistic and historical point of view. It is also like a work of art, as though created by Mother Nature. The unique leaves of this plant not only create wonderful shadow casts, but also look as if they were painted by hand. It's no wonder that iris acts as the muse for countless artists, and can be seen in many famous works of art. The iris was first spotted in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose, in 1504 BC. He had the iris inscribed into the wall reliefs of a temple as a sign of his power, as well as decorating his sceptre with motifs of the flower. Since then, the iris has been a symbol of victory in Egypt. But the symbolism of the iris goes further than that. In Japan, the flower represents courage and is the symbol of the boys' festival. In Islamic cultures, the iris is a symbol of prosperity. In Europe, the flower was a popular weapon symbol in the Middle Ages and stood for chivalry. And in Christianity, the iris was seen as a symbol of the trinity because of its three-part flowers. With more than 300 varieties, the iris is now the most popular flower among growers and gardeners following the rose. Countless artists use the iris in their works and the flower is present in all eras. You can see the flower on furniture, vases, jewelry, fabrics, sculptures, coats of arms and much more. Did you know that the iris is also called the sword lily? It's not a coincidence that it used to symbolize physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by a weapon. We also see the flower in religious art, where it's often associated with Mary and Jesus. The iris is also associated with the Greek goddess Iris, where the flower symbolizes reconciliation and divine messages. This is also reflected in many paintings. Finally, the iris is also visible in Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. This can be in a religious form, incorporated into an object or as a decorative flower. In the Art Nouveau art movement, the iris (along with other plants, such as the birch) was often used as an expression of feminine beauty. With its almost otherworldly appearance, the iris is perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau aesthetic and is featured in many well-known works of art. The poet of that era, Hermann Hesse...

Japanese Art Nouveau Flower Vase Awaji Ware Art Studio Pottery ca. 1900s ABOUT AWAJI WARE ART STUDIO POTTERY Awaji pottery was made on the Japanese island of the same name between...

Japanese Meiji period Art Nouveau bronze vase in shape of a lotus, hand incised detailing and rare chocolate brown patina, circa 1900.

Made in Italy, 1970s. This trinket bowl / vide-poche is designed by Alfredo Barbini and it is made in light blue and transparent Murano glass with lines obtained from a mold and then...

Beautiful mid-20th Century French metallic glaze bowl or vide poche possibly from Vallauris or Biot, France. The prominent colors in an art brut form make this metallic glaze bowl or...

Post War Brass Japanese Dragon Cloisonné Vase with scenic of a dragon flying through the sky. Crica 1900 dimensions are 4.25" inches in height

An antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vase, circa: early 20th century. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers and plants and birds made in the Cloisonne technique on a black ground. The border of the base is decorated with a traditional Greek...

An antique Japanese Meiji Era tripod enamel metal censer koro. Circa: late 19th century. The sphere form ware is enameled with polychrome medallions with blossoming flowers and butte...