Japanese Bronze Art Nouveau Inlaid Vase Meiji Period

A heavy and well-executed Japanese vase in the Art Nouveau style.

 

The heavy bronze has been shaped in a design that is distantly reminiscent of a gourd. There is an inlaid design in a geometric Art Nouveau pattern on the upper body. The mouth is slightly rolled and the foot is raised. The vase was over-cleaned at one point, but you can see the older dark brown patina above the foot and on the base. The vase rests flat on a surface.

 

 

6 3/8” (16.1 cm) tall x 3 ¼” (8.3 cm) diameter. Weighs 15.7 oz (450 g)

 

 

There is a shallow dent on the waist, and there are a few nicks and wear marks. There are some dark brown oxidization spots on the surface. The vase was over-cleaned at one point but has started to mellow out the color again because of time.

 

 

A very nice work of metal workers' art. It is very refined and elegant.