5th Dec, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
28
A LARGE BRONZE VASE WITH A CARP
Sold for €1,040
including Buyer's Premium
Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period
Of spin-top form, the heavily cast body supported on a slightly splayed foot, rising through high-angled shoulders to an elongated, waisted neck with a trumpet flared mouth and a lobed rim. The exterior finely decorated in high relief to depict a carp gracefully traversing the body of the vessel as if emerging from water. The animal naturalistically modeled with minutely detailed scales and fins, its visible eye inlaid in gold-ringed shakudo.
HEIGHT 37.6 cm
WEIGHT 2,718 g
Provenance: From the Alan Bostock collection of Japanese metalwork and cloisonné, assembled over the last 40 years.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities. Few minute nicks and light surface scratches. The scalloped rim pierced with three small circular apertures, while a further hole is found on the lower section of the vessel, likely all for mounting as a lamp. The base plate has been renewed and may have previously housed an artist signature.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related bronze vase with several carps, also detailed with gold eyes, by Ichioka Shiun, dated Meiji to Taisho period, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 6 December 2024, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for EUR 5,200).
Japan, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period
Of spin-top form, the heavily cast body supported on a slightly splayed foot, rising through high-angled shoulders to an elongated, waisted neck with a trumpet flared mouth and a lobed rim. The exterior finely decorated in high relief to depict a carp gracefully traversing the body of the vessel as if emerging from water. The animal naturalistically modeled with minutely detailed scales and fins, its visible eye inlaid in gold-ringed shakudo.
HEIGHT 37.6 cm
WEIGHT 2,718 g
Provenance: From the Alan Bostock collection of Japanese metalwork and cloisonné, assembled over the last 40 years.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities. Few minute nicks and light surface scratches. The scalloped rim pierced with three small circular apertures, while a further hole is found on the lower section of the vessel, likely all for mounting as a lamp. The base plate has been renewed and may have previously housed an artist signature.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related bronze vase with several carps, also detailed with gold eyes, by Ichioka Shiun, dated Meiji to Taisho period, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 6 December 2024, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for EUR 5,200).
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