Description

A beautiful exceptional pair of Japanese bronze vases, wonderfully cast with trumpet shaped necks and receded panels around the main body.

Shakudō (赤銅) is a billon of gold and copper (typically 4–10% gold, 96–90% copper) which can be treated to form an indigo/black patina resembling lacquer.

Bordered design with gilt designs of leaves. Gilt imagery of wild birds among crossing branches, reeds, chrysanthemums in bloom, and a bundle of hay decorate either vase. Accents of red and brown highlight the gold pigment.

Shakudō was historically used in Japan to construct or decorate katana fittings such as tsuba, menuki, and kozuka; as well as other small ornaments.

Meiji Period (1868 – 1912)

Size: 6.5″ height, 3″ width