Finely Mounted Japanese Mixed Metal Ken Tanto

Meiji Period Japanese mixed metal platter depicting monkey gathering fruit for finely dressed gentlemen. Fine detail and execution of inlay.

A nicely designed Japanese Tanto with a bone scabbard that has inlays of stones and mother of pearl. Motives of flowers and birds.

Japanese mixed metal vase Mounted as a lamp Meiji period The bulbous-form body with long conical neck decorated in high-relief copper w...

A fine antique Japanese flower vase. In hand-hammered copper (or possibly a thin-bodied bronze) with applied silver bands to rim, footrim, shaped edge, and with a lotus petal border at the joint of neck and body. Having the usubata form with a wide flared neck and mouth. The 'usubata' vase is a form favored for large scale floral arrangements by the Ikenobo school, the oldest and largest school of Japanese ikebana founded in the 15th century by Buddhist monk Senno Ikenobo. It is believed that the wide and shallow rim of an usubata vase which displays the surface of the water best imitates natural conditions of growth while also contributing to the longevity of an arrangement with the increased surface area of the water better oxygenating the plants. The base retains still retains hand-hammered marks. There is evidence of seams and folds throughout from the construction, and the surface has a cloud-like brown patina throughout. Simply a wonderful Japanese mixed metal vase...