Inkwell - Bronze (gilt/silvered/patinated/cold painted)

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€ 55
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Giovanni Bottero
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero

Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.

Estimate  € 500 - € 550
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ITBidder 9829
€55
PLBidder 7438
€50
NLBidder 0153
€40

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Meiji period Japanese bronze inkwell in the shape of a peach with three relief ants on the surface, featuring a hinged lid and gilded interior, retaining its original glass liner, weighing 541 g and measuring 4 × 8 × 9 cm, in excellent condition with no stand included.

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Description from the seller

Japanese Meiji period (1868–1912) bronze inkwell, designed in the auspicious shape of a peach, and 3 relief ants to surface of peach, the peach which symbolizes longevity and vitality in East Asian.

Design: The exterior is crafted from bronze, often featuring a rich, dark patina or mixed-metal overlays typical of Meiji-era "takamono" (high-relief sculpture).
Mechanism: The hinged lid opens to reveal a gilded or polished brass interior designed to hold ink.
Liner: This specific piece is notable for retaining its original glass inkwell liner, a feature often lost in antique examples.
Purpose: While often used on a scholar's desk, similar figural ink pots were sometimes part of a Yatate, a portable calligraphy set used by travelers and artists.

Weight 541 grams
Excellent condition all parts are in working condition. There is ink residue in glass insert.

Japanese Meiji period (1868–1912) bronze inkwell, designed in the auspicious shape of a peach, and 3 relief ants to surface of peach, the peach which symbolizes longevity and vitality in East Asian.

Design: The exterior is crafted from bronze, often featuring a rich, dark patina or mixed-metal overlays typical of Meiji-era "takamono" (high-relief sculpture).
Mechanism: The hinged lid opens to reveal a gilded or polished brass interior designed to hold ink.
Liner: This specific piece is notable for retaining its original glass inkwell liner, a feature often lost in antique examples.
Purpose: While often used on a scholar's desk, similar figural ink pots were sometimes part of a Yatate, a portable calligraphy set used by travelers and artists.

Weight 541 grams
Excellent condition all parts are in working condition. There is ink residue in glass insert.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Number of objects
1
Material
Bronze (gilt/silvered/patinated/cold painted)
Dynastic style/period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Country of origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Sold with stand
No
Height
4 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
9 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
GermanyVerified
Private

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