A Japanese bronze Hu vase.
Edo period, first half 19th century.
Finely cast vessel on a high foot with lobed body and mythical creature handles, the shape strongly reminiscent of archaic Chinese vessels. The surface is neatly cast with a very fine design of kiko-hanabishi, chestnut flowers placed in the center of hexagonal frames, a pattern often used in kimonos and other traditional clothing.
The Chinese form, combined with the Japanese surface design, is a good example of the cultural influence that Chinese bronzes had on Japanese bronzes.
Ref:
Compare with a bronze vase in the British Museum collection, museum number 1883,1020.25.
Lit:
For more information on this subject, see: Flower Bronzes of Japan (Joe Earle, 1995).
Dimensions:
Height 36 cm, width with handles 24 cm, diameter without handles 21 cm.
Condition:
Very good, with a dent to the body which is almost not visible.
Inv. No: MW62
