Oval Bronze Water Basin with Dragon in Motion and Cloud Underside - Bronze - 瑞峰堂 Zuihōdō - Japan - 1900-2000

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Marion Oliviero
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Selected by Marion Oliviero

Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.

Estimate  € 280 - € 350
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Oval bronze water basin (suiban) by Zuihōdō (瑞峰堂) of Japan, dating from 1900–2000, with a dragon in motion, wave reliefs, four clawed legs, dragon‑decorated side handles, a cloud motif on the underside, and an impressed workshop mark.

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Description from the seller

Item Description:

This is a finely cast antique bronze water basin (suiban) with dragon motif, crafted by Zuihōdō (瑞峰堂), a renowned Japanese metal workshop. The elongated oval form rests on four sculptural legs shaped like mythical beast claws, while two side handles are also adorned with dragon-inspired detailing, enhancing the vessel’s auspicious presence.

The exterior surface is decorated with elaborate relief carvings of swirling waves and a vigorous dragon in motion, symbolizing strength, protection, and prosperity in East Asian culture. The interior is smooth and darkly patinated, while the underside is richly ornamented with swirling cloud motifs and bears the deeply impressed foundry mark 「瑞峰堂造」 (“Made by Zuihōdō”), confirming its authenticity and workshop origin.

Traditionally, bronze suiban like this were used in Bonsai and Suiseki display, as well as in tea ceremony and scholarly settings, where the symbolic power of the dragon and the elegance of cast bronze elevated the cultural atmosphere. The craftsmanship demonstrates precise casting and refined finishing, with areas of natural patina adding to its antique character.

This piece, with its balance of decorative richness and dignified form, embodies the high quality of Japanese metalwork associated with Zuihōdō and represents an excellent example for collectors of bronzes, bonsai display accessories, or Japanese decorative arts.


Size :

Width: approx. 32 × 18.2 cm
Height: approx. 8.5 cm


Artist / Workshop Profile :

Zuihōdō (瑞峰堂) was a traditional Japanese metalworking foundry known for producing fine bronze vessels, decorative wares, and utensils often used in tea ceremony, bonsai, and interior display. Their works are characterized by strong casting techniques, intricate relief decoration, and motifs that embody auspicious symbolism such as dragons, phoenixes, and natural elements.

Zuihōdō’s output reflects the high standards of Japanese bronze craftsmanship, where artistry and utility merge seamlessly. Pieces marked with the workshop seal are sought after by collectors of antique Japanese bronzes and tea utensils, valued both for their technical excellence and cultural resonance.



NOITICE:

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.

Seller's Story

We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods. Owner Profile Name: Michito Nagahiro Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life. In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date. In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support. Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.

Item Description:

This is a finely cast antique bronze water basin (suiban) with dragon motif, crafted by Zuihōdō (瑞峰堂), a renowned Japanese metal workshop. The elongated oval form rests on four sculptural legs shaped like mythical beast claws, while two side handles are also adorned with dragon-inspired detailing, enhancing the vessel’s auspicious presence.

The exterior surface is decorated with elaborate relief carvings of swirling waves and a vigorous dragon in motion, symbolizing strength, protection, and prosperity in East Asian culture. The interior is smooth and darkly patinated, while the underside is richly ornamented with swirling cloud motifs and bears the deeply impressed foundry mark 「瑞峰堂造」 (“Made by Zuihōdō”), confirming its authenticity and workshop origin.

Traditionally, bronze suiban like this were used in Bonsai and Suiseki display, as well as in tea ceremony and scholarly settings, where the symbolic power of the dragon and the elegance of cast bronze elevated the cultural atmosphere. The craftsmanship demonstrates precise casting and refined finishing, with areas of natural patina adding to its antique character.

This piece, with its balance of decorative richness and dignified form, embodies the high quality of Japanese metalwork associated with Zuihōdō and represents an excellent example for collectors of bronzes, bonsai display accessories, or Japanese decorative arts.


Size :

Width: approx. 32 × 18.2 cm
Height: approx. 8.5 cm


Artist / Workshop Profile :

Zuihōdō (瑞峰堂) was a traditional Japanese metalworking foundry known for producing fine bronze vessels, decorative wares, and utensils often used in tea ceremony, bonsai, and interior display. Their works are characterized by strong casting techniques, intricate relief decoration, and motifs that embody auspicious symbolism such as dragons, phoenixes, and natural elements.

Zuihōdō’s output reflects the high standards of Japanese bronze craftsmanship, where artistry and utility merge seamlessly. Pieces marked with the workshop seal are sought after by collectors of antique Japanese bronzes and tea utensils, valued both for their technical excellence and cultural resonance.



NOITICE:

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.

Seller's Story

We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods. Owner Profile Name: Michito Nagahiro Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life. In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date. In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support. Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
1900-2000
Artist
瑞峰堂 Zuihōdō
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Bronze
Height
8.5 cm
Width
32 cm
Title of artwork
Oval Bronze Water Basin with Dragon in Motion and Cloud Underside
Depth
18.2 cm
Condition
Good condition
JapanVerified
4697
Objects sold
99.01%
protop

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