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About 20 years ago I inherited my aunt and uncle's estate, including this bronze planter. They had some nice things but were not antique collectors. I don't know how long they had this or where it came from. I have been told it is Japanese. It is 23" high, 22" diameter, and weighs roughly 40 pounds.

I have spent many hours online trying to find something similar, to no avail. Is it an antique or something newer? Please help.

For photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48420604@N02/4438432128/in/photostream/

Hello Lenore,

The kanji mark under crossed flags reads down as either 'Made by Yoshio' or 'Made by Katsuo' if I've read the characters right. The difference is in the Japanese system for transcribing names and not in meaning, which in this case probably is 'Made by a Good Artisan'.

Looking at the way the condition of the vase and its subject of lions, which aren't native to East Asia or Japan, thus aren't a traditional subject, I'd guess the date of manufacture at about 1900 or subsequently in the first quarter of the 20th century. Others out there know much more about Japanese art than I.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Thank you for your response. In my research I noticed that tigers appeared in Japanese art objects, but not lions. That made me think this is either very rare, or more likely not very old. Also, the larger lion has what appears to be a glass eye. I have not seen this with the tigers I found. Some of the leaves near the bottom have color and I have not seen that on older pieces. The colors appear to be bright in the photos from the glare of the flash, but in person the colors are very subdued and barely noticeable.

Regardless of its age or value, it is a beautiful piece that draws many comments from visitors. I am so happy to have found this Forum.

Lenore

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