Description

Japanese Bronze Lotus-Form Footed Bowl – Meiji to Early Shōwa Period (c. 1890–1930)

This Japanese bronze bowl features an elegant lotus-flower form with a softly scalloped rim and finely cast vein patterns radiating across the interior and exterior of the vessel. Its rich green patina—developed naturally over decades—adds depth and highlights the relief work throughout the piece. The bowl rests on a sculptural base composed of entwined stems and lotus leaves, a design often associated with late Meiji to early Shōwa decorative bronze workshops. Measuring 7" in diameter and 4" tall, it has the stately presence of a handcrafted art bronze rather than a later mass-produced casting.

A clearly impressed oval maker’s seal appears on the underside, together with a secondary incised inscription near the stem junction. While the exact foundry or artist’s name is still under research, the vertical seal format and calligraphic style are consistent with Meiji-era artisanal bronze workshops active in Kyoto and Tokyo. These workshops routinely produced smaller-scale decorative bronzes for both domestic use and export, often inspired by motifs from nature—lotus, gourds, vines, and chrysanthemum being among the most celebrated.

The sculptural base is especially notable: rather than a simple stand, the artist cast the bowl rising from a curling lotus stem that winds underneath and terminates in a hand-shaped lily pad, demonstrating technical modeling skill and balanced composition. The bowl’s form and patina suggest it originally served as an incense or offering bowl, or as a decorative scholar’s object, intended to evoke purity and renewal through the lotus symbolism prominent in Japanese Buddhist aesthetics.

The oval cartouche appears to contain two vertically stacked kanji, likely a name seal rather than a dynasty or reign mark. The form is characteristic of late Meiji to early Shōwa bronze workshop signatures, often used by metalworkers in regions such as Takaoka, Japan’s historic center for bronze casting.

While the characters are worn, the structure resembles marks used by:

• Takeuchi (竹内) workshop
• Morimasa (森正) workshop
• Yoshimitsu (義光) workshop

These were all active in the late Meiji (1868–1912) through early Shōwa periods (1926–1940s) and produced naturalistic lotus and nature-themed bronzes.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Measurement: 7 x 4 inches.

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you cant pick up this day.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 12% flat buyers premium on all items.

8. We charge KY State Tax with the exception of vehicles which is collected at the DMV.

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.