Japanese Antique Bronze &
Dragon Detail From Japanese Antique Bronze &
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Dragon Detail From Back Of Japanese Antique Bronze &
Dragon And Historic Damage Detail From Japanese Antique Bronze &
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Japanese Bronze Ryū (Dragon) Vase - Meiji Period

SKU M1098 · 19th Century, from Japan

This Japanese bronze vase dates from the Meiji period (1868–1912) and combines a beautifully restrained form with a wonderfully sculptural dragon (ryū) winding around its surface. The vase has a broad, rounded body rising into a tall, slender neck with a gently flared rim. Applied in high relief is a sinuous three-dimensional dragon, its long body wrapping around the vase before…

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Dimensions W24 × D24 × H35 cm

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Description

This Japanese bronze vase dates from the Meiji period (1868–1912) and combines a beautifully restrained form with a wonderfully sculptural dragon (ryū) winding around its surface.

The vase has a broad, rounded body rising into a tall, slender neck with a gently flared rim. Applied in high relief is a sinuous three-dimensional dragon, its long body wrapping around the vase before climbing towards the neck. The modelling is particularly expressive around the head, with curling whiskers, horns and flowing details contrasting beautifully with the smooth surface of the vessel.

The dragon (ryū) has a long history in Japanese art and mythology, where it is closely associated with water, rainfall and the forces of nature. Dragons were also regarded as powerful and protective beings, making them a popular subject for the accomplished metalworkers of the Meiji period.

The bronze is crafted with swirling rust red & brown tones giving the surface an inky depth. 

A particularly handsome example of Meiji-period Japanese decorative bronze, combining strong sculptural modelling with a beautifully patinated surface.

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Restored in our UK workshop

Every piece is checked, cleaned and made ready for its next chapter before it leaves us.

Our expert restorers inspect every item, making joints sound and carefully cleaning surfaces. 

We favour conservation over restoration and use traditional techniques and materials, sensitively preserving the original character and patina that give each antique its individuality.

Charlie in the Indigo Antiques workshop
CharlieRestorer · 20 years' experience
Keith in the Indigo Antiques workshop
KeithRestorer · Over 20 years' experience
Richard in the Indigo Antiques workshop
RichardCo-founder · Over 45 years' experience

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