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I have a bronze vase that I am looking for more information on. According to the client I obtained it from, it was purchased at an Asian antique import shop in northern California in the 1980's. Their tag states it is from the Meiji period which is consistent with what I have found in my research. It is marked on the bottom.
It is a very heavy bronze vase with a vibrant patina. The client felt it was for Ikebana floral work.

Any information anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Still hoping for some help with perhaps translating the mark on the base and possibly identifying the artist. Also any information anyone might have as to the type of vase and if it is indeed Meiji period.

Thank you.

Sally,

I tried to identify the first character in the seal (the one at the right) but in vain. At first glance it seems a simple character but I just don't find. Seal script is always problematic. The 2nd character reads 'un' (&@38642) and is common in Japanese art names.

Maybe some else could have a try.

Guy.

I had another good look at the seal. I read it now completely as 'Tōun' (投雲), a name that is consistent with Meiji metalworkers.

I think that this kind of bronze vases were in the first place export products in the 1880s for the European and US market and more important, serving as models for the development of the 'Art Noveau' movement that started in Brussels and Paris from 1890 on.

Guy,
Thank you so much for the information. I appreciate you taking the time to look into it for me. It is such an amazing piece. I have other bronze pieces of the same era and from the same estate, but this one just seems exceptional. It has a deep patina that I cannot adequately describe and seems so well made in comparison to the Usubata and the other piece I have.

Sally~

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