A Very Fine Japanese Mixed Metal Bronze Doban / Suiban, Meiji Period (1868-1912)
 
Doban are traditional Japanese bronze vessels used to display scholarly objects known as ‘Suiseki’ (water stones), whereas a ‘Suiban’ is a traditional Japanese vessel made of wood or ceramic but occasionally in bronze, which are used to display Ikebana & Bonsai (flora arrangements), in both instances, albeit rarely – they rest upon a conforming ‘Daiza’ (base).
 
The oval shaped & bellied bronze body exhibiting an exceptionally fine reddish-brown patina overall, further decorated with silvered & gilded motifs depicting geometric designs, pine trees, exotic beasts, priestly & scholarly figures. Having organic-inspired open handles with fruiting vines and raised overall on four short supports resting atop its original and similarly decorated ‘Daiza’.
                                                                                                     
Dimensions, 5” high (5.75” high with base) x 13” wide x 7.75” deep. Combined weight, 10.3 lbs.