386 - A BRONZE VASE WITH CARP AMONG REEDS

A BRONZE VASE WITH CARP AMONG REEDS Japan, Meiji era (1868–1912) Of bottle form, the globular body rising to a tall waisted neck flaring at the mouth, the rim with a key-fret band, applied at the neck with a pair of scroll handles issuing from mythical-beast heads. The body decorated with five carp swimming among reeds at the water's edge, the fish worked in relief in a dark alloy, probably shakudo, the current and reeds inlaid flush in copper and contrasting metals, the neck with stylised phoenix and cloud scrolls, beneath an olive-brown patina of golden tone. Unsigned. Japan, Meiji era (1868–1912) With a fitted collector's box. H: 33.5cm D: 14cm Wooden box Japan, Meiji era