{"product_id":"japanese-bronze-dragon-vase","title":"Japanese Bronze 'Dragon' Vase - Meiji Period","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese bronze vase dates from the Meiji period (1868–1912)\u003c\/strong\u003e and combines a beautifully restrained form with a wonderfully sculptural dragon winding around its surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vase has a broad, rounded body rising into a tall, slender neck with a gently flared rim. Applied in high relief is a sinuous \u003cstrong\u003ethree-dimensional dragon\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003edragon (\u003cem\u003eryū\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e has a long history in Japanese art and mythology, where it is closely associated with \u003cstrong\u003ewater, rainfall and the forces of nature\u003c\/strong\u003e. Dragons were also regarded as powerful and protective beings, making them a popular subject for the accomplished metalworkers of the Meiji period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze has developed wonderfully rich \u003cstrong\u003edark brown and rust-red tones\u003c\/strong\u003e, which become particularly apparent across the broad body of the vase and give the surface considerable depth. The restrained decoration allows the dramatic form of the dragon to remain the focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly handsome example of \u003cstrong\u003eMeiji-period Japanese decorative bronze\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining strong sculptural modelling with a beautifully patinated surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meiji period (1868–1912)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Applied three-dimensional dragon winding around the body and climbing towards the neck; flared rim; rich dark brown and rust-red patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique condition with surface wear and variations to the patina consistent with age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W24 × D24 × H35 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.8 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58502786351487,"sku":"M1098","price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Japanese_Antique_Bronze_Dragon_Vase_M1098.jpg?v=1790174237","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/japanese-bronze-dragon-vase","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}