Description

Height: 17cm

Width: 7.5cm

A striking pair of Japanese bronze and copper vases, richly decorated in high relief with monkeys climbing amongst grape vines and foliage, alongside stylised dragon motifs and traditional ornamental borders.

These beautifully worked vases display exceptional decorative detail, with finely chased surfaces highlighting the expressive monkey figures hidden amongst trailing vines and clustered grapes.

The darker bronze ground contrasts elegantly against the warmer copper tones, giving the pair a rich aged appearance and strong visual depth.

The form and decoration are heavily influenced by late Meiji period Japanese metalwork, where animal symbolism and naturalistic scenes became highly desirable export wares for the Western market during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Monkeys in Japanese art are traditionally associated with protection, intelligence, and good fortune, while dragons symbolise strength and power.

Each vase features a classic baluster shape with decorative collar detailing and weighted bases, making them ideal display pieces for collectors of Japanese art, oriental antiques, or aesthetic interior décor.

A beautifully decorative matching pair with excellent shelf presence and intricate craftsmanship throughout.