A JAPANESE BRONZE VASE AND COVER

A JAPANESE BRONZE VASE AND COVER
MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

The impressive vessel with a rectangular-section body raised on four tall legs and a shaped base, with ho-o side handles and the cover surmounted by two boys, one holding a lion mask for the shishimai dance; the sides with two large gilt panels enclosing a rakan and a tengu in flight, the mythical bird-like creature holding a staff and an egg; with a bird and flowers to the reverse; all reserved on a dense ground of flowerheads repeated across the body; with a gilt inner liner; 54cm. (3)