Outstanding Imperial Japanese Meiji ding shaped bronze vessel. Most likely late Edo or early Meiji period this outstanding example has it all. A dozen inlaid Mons (Japanese family names or symbols for them), silver and gold overlaid over silver wire. Fantastic designs, Imperial 16 leaf Mon, Governmental presentation kiri flower Mon in a classic Ding style bronze vessel. The Government Seal of Japan, also called the Paulownia Seal (桐紋, kirimon?) is a mon or a crest used by the Cabinet of Japan and the Government of Japan on official documents. One version is used as the official emblem of the office of the Prime Minister of Japan. It resembles a stylized kiri or paulownia flower with 5-7-5 leaves. The more general governmental seal is a 3-5-3 configuration like this one. The inlay and overlay of the silver wire is done with great skill, but lacks the more bold extremes of the later Meiji pieces. The gold appears to be a light thin coat of gold or possibly even a heavy leaf overlay as are most pieces of this vintage. An obvious important piece and undoubtedly a presentation piece of some type. The piece is EX- Michael Goedhuis and bears the sticker and an Inventory number of Y 5579. Probably the 55th item from 1979 as he converted from extremely high end antiques to mostly contemporary Asian art in 1995. Great provenance and a great piece in excellent condition, with only some scattered interior bits of green verdigris inside the piece. Patina is 99.9% undisturbed. Fantastic piece. Circa 1850 and 9 1/4'' tall and 10+ inches wide. Impressive piece that is quite heavy. A highlight piece in any collection even a museum. Status: For Sale Reference#: 0302_2966 Condition: vg Year: 1850

Asian Antiques
Asian Decorative Arts