Dragon basin - large planter - in bronze, Meiji period

Magnificent piece in chiselled bronze. It is a Suiban (a low oval planter), typical of Far Eastern art. Period and Origin: The piece dates from the late 19th century or the very early 20th century, corresponding to the famous Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan. This was a time characterised by an openness to the West and a production of very high-quality art, particularly sought after by European collectors for the ornamentation of winter gardens and bourgeois salons. Manufacturing Technique: This is a cast bronze. The thickness of the metal visible from the top view confirms the robustness of the object and the traditional casting technique. The details were refined cold after demoulding. The textured base (which imitates dense geometric patterns or stylised waves) highlights the relief cartouches representing sacred clouds or mountains. The Dragons: The two massive handles take the form of Asian dragons (Ryū) captured in mid-motion, gripping the edge of the planter. The Patina presents a beautiful dark brown colour, nuanced by the natural oxidation of time, known as "chocolate" patina. Good condition. A slight hole on one of the sides is visible in the photos. There also appear to have been two repairs that have been very well executed and are hardly noticeable from the outside (see photos). Dimensions: Total length 42 cm. Width: 25.5 cm. Height: 20.5 cm at the level of the dragons' heads and approximately 16 cm taken at the centre.