A Japanese Meiji Period Bronze square formed vase signed Nogawa

A Japanese Meiji Period Bronze square formed vase with elegant decoration (in shakudo, silver, gold and shibuichi) of a blue bird in an acer tree, two geese flying, a pheasant under a tree and the moon behind some bamboo. Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Signed Nogawa.

Bluebird

The bluebird is a symbol of happiness which dates back many thousands of years.

Acer

Acer or Japanese maple is a symbol of strength and endurance, it is often used in the art of Bonsai and it is traditional to go to view the changing colours of the leaves in Autumn, much like the cherry blossom is viewed in the spring.

Geese

The geese depicted here are likely to be white fronted geese, a species which due to conservation efforts in the 80’s is now once again common in Japan. Goose meat has long been regarded as a luxury for the imperial classes and aristocracy, the white fronted goose is a popular motif on family crests and paintings and frequently appears in Japanese folklore and poems.

Moon

The moon is the subject of much mythology in Japan, it’s depiction can symbolize national well-being (From Shinto beliefs) or inner enlightenment (Buddhist beliefs).

Pheasant

The Japanese green pheasant is the national bird of Japan, it is a symbol of power, abundance and promise and is associated with the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a symbol of purity and innocence, due to it’s extensive root structure it is also revered for it’s strength and for years if there was and earthquake people were told to run into a bamboo grove as it’s roots would hold the earth together.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

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