Can anyone identify this bronze pot?

[JeffS73]

A pot is coming up at a local auction, it's Japanese, bronze, they claim 19th C, so Meiji?



Also, are there any good books/resources on these pots?

 

[Potawatomi13]

Cannot ID but focus on writing likely too poor to properly read.

 

[Lutonian]

I think this is not a pot but maybe a suiban for ikebana

 

[JeffS73]

That sounds a lot more likely, thanks!

 

[Lutonian]

That sounds a lot more likely, thanks!

A drill bit and a internal coating of pond sealant paint and you got a pot or it might make a good stand for a viewing stone if you fill it full of sand or fill it with water and put a rock planting in it.

 

[rockm]

For God's sake DO NOT drill a hole in this. It is a brazier, not an ikebana container, nor a bonsai pot. Braziers were used to burn incense, or hold burning charcoal. Many were made to be purely ornamental. This one is one of the ornamental variety. IF it is indeed Meiji Restoration era (1868-1912), it is probably worth more than your most expensive bonsai and pot. The Meiji era was noted for its spectacular metalwork, done by disenfranchised samurai armor and sword makers. The Meiji era saw the disbanding of samurai and the local warlords they served in favor of a centralized government. The expert swordmakers and armorers were left to find other markets for their skills, including sculpture, ornaments and utensils.

 

[Lutonian]

For God's sake DO NOT drill a hole in this. It is a brazier, not an ikebana container, nor a bonsai pot. Braziers were used to burn incense, or hold burning charcoal. Many were made to be purely ornamental. This one is one of the ornamental variety. IF it is indeed Meiji Restoration era (1868-1912), it is probably worth more than your most expensive bonsai and pot. The Meiji era was noted for its spectacular metalwork, done by disenfranchised samurai armor and sword makers. The Meiji era saw the disbanding of samurai and the local warlords they served in favor of a centralized government. The expert swordmakers and armorers were left to find other markets for their skills, including sculpture, ornaments and utensils.

Get some chaw and use it as a spittoon

 

[JeffS73]

Wow, I was completely ignorant of the incredible works of the Meiji period, thanks Rock! These are incredible:

The Meiji Aesthetic: Selected Masterpieces from a Private Asian Collection

www.christies.com

 

[Potawatomi13]

Rare/valuable or not reading of writing still remains un accomplished. Is there any reader present? Might be interesting to see if can buy this for a song?

 

[rockm]

Wow, I was completely ignorant of the incredible works of the Meiji period, thanks Rock! These are incredible:

The Meiji Aesthetic: Selected Masterpieces from a Private Asian Collection

www.christies.com

There are some fantastic things made during the Meiji period. This brazier probably isn't a priceless heirloom, but it's pretty well made and signed.

Collecting guide: 5 things to know about Meiji-period art | Christie's

A primer on the art of Meiji-era Japan and its many influences, illustrated with works offered in our upcoming sales

www.christies.com

This is a book with chop marks. It has a section on metalwork

Japanese marks and seals

library.si.edu