A pair of Japanese Meiji Period bronze moon flask vases

Object Description

An unusual pair of Japanese bronze moon flasks with multimetal decoration of geese with sweetcorn to one side and dragons to the other.

Object History

Dragon

Dragons are hugely significant in Asian culture. Known as the Ryu or Tatsu in Japan, they are closely related to the Chinese Long and Korean Yong. Like all Asian dragons they lack wings and are serpent-like in form. The Japanese dragons rarely fly and usually reside in or near the sea and other bodies of water.

Japanese dragons have positive symbolism. They are good and represent wisdom, generosity and they are portrayed as using their powers to help mankind. (Unlike the Dragons of Western mythology.)

Generally you can tell a Chinese dragon from a Japanese by counting the toes, a Chinese having four or five and a Japanese having three.

Geese

Goose meat has long been regarded as a luxury for the imperial classes and aristocracy, the white fronted goose is a popular motif on family crests and paintings and frequently appears in Japanese folklore and poems.

Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is a popular and common vegetable in Japan, it was first introduced by the Portuguese in 1579.

Moon

The moon is the subject of much mythology in Japan, it’s depiction can symbolize national well-being (From Shinto beliefs) or inner enlightenment (Buddhist beliefs)

Moon Flask

The moon flask or pilgrim vase is charactarised by it’s flat circular shape which represents the moon, it’s a shape very popular in Chinese porcelain and was inspired by middle eastern metal ware.

Object Condition

Excellent

Object Details