Antique Japanese Bronze Usubata Flower Vase Inlaid Crane & Wave 12"W

Antique Japanese Bronze Usubata Flower Vase Stand with Inlaid Crane and Wave Decoration

Japan, Meiji period (明治時代), late 19th century

10" H × 11.75" W; opening 3.5"W (25 cm H × 30 cm W; opening 9 cm)

A handsome bronze usubata (薄端) — the low, wide-mouthed ikebana stand associated with the Ikenobō school of flower arrangement — here elevated to a form of considerable decorative ambition. The urn-shaped body is cast in dark patinated bronze and decorated in takazogan (高象嵌) inlay with a sweeping composition of cranes in flight above rolling ocean waves, rendered in silver and gold-toned metals against the dark ground. Twin dragon-head handles flank the body, their scaled forms cast with crisp detail. The body sits on an elegantly splayed three-leg base with curved feet. The large circular tray — the defining feature of the usubata form, intended to catch water and display arrangements at a low angle is finished in a complementary dark bronze. A refined production typical of the Meiji bronzework export and exhibition trade, combining classical ikebana function with the ornamental sensibility of the period.

Condition: Fine overall patina with age-appropriate wear. Tray and base both present and functional. No losses to inlay visible.

A striking sculptural presence whether used for ikebana or displayed as a standalone decorative object.