Hiraishi Atsuchika (active circa 1880)


An impressive inlaid bronze usubata (flower vase)Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th centuryCast in sections and decorated on the body with two recessed panels deeply carved with battling samurai in full armor, and courtiers seated by rock baskets admiring cranes in flight, the details in silver and gold takazogan and hirazogan, the wide basin with cranes in sunken relief among swirling clouds in silver hirazogan, the exterior with cherry blossoms, phoenixes under clouds and coiling vines, the base with crashing waves, strewn pine needles, clouds and willow trees with birds below three cabriole feet topped with leafy flourishes and wave patterns below a multi-register support decorated with cherry blossoms, wave, and cloud patterns, all in silver takazogan and hirazogan, signed Etchu no ju Hiraishi Atsuchika 22in (55.9cm) high