Bronze Bronze Vase - 36 cm

Bronze vase in relief, a rare piece; no similar model found.
Meiji period (1868 - 1912).
The base is a little bent, nothing serious (see photo), near the hole that appears to have been filled with tin, I think?
The vase is adorned on one side with four turtles (symbol of wisdom, luck, and longevity) and a dragon (symbol of great power).
On the other side, a dragon and a phoenix (named houou) in Japan.
The Japanese phoenix is a fire animal that embodies the cycle of life, rebirth, immortality, and triumph.
The phoenix associated with the dragon represents the imperial couple.
Between the base and the vase are branches with cherry blossoms.
They symbolize both life and death, beauty and violence. Just as spring's arrival promises renewal, the blooming cherry blossoms bring a sense of vitality and dynamism. At the same time, their short existence reminds us of the fragility and brevity of life.
Height: 36 cm.
Weight: 4.740 kg.

#yearofthedragon