Japanese Altar vessel of the Edo period (1603-1867) Wide body, trumpet mouth with mythical beast-shaped handles. Made of bronze with natural patina. The body inscribed with characters reading: 勢州一志郡 Seishū Ichishi Prefecture (Now Mie province, Honsu island) 中肥留村 金剛寺 Chū Hirumura village Kongojoji-temple 元文5 庚申 Genbun 5 kanoe-saru (1740) 霜月吉日 November Auspicious day 江戶氏子中 Edo Ujiko (a gift of) Parishioners of the temple from Edo (Now Tokyo) Measurements: H. 34 cm Diameter: 27 cm, Wide: handle to handle 25 cm Weight: 5040 grams Condition:: few dents at the lower body, stains, all due to age and use, No repairs or cracks! Age: 1740, guaranteed 286 years old! Signed: at the base with unclear written characters Provenance: private collection in the Netherlands. Worldwide shipping with insurance!