Antique Japanese Bronze Vase with Three Herons – Dated Wooden Box, 1931

This is an antique Japanese bronze vase decorated with three herons standing in shallow water.

The birds are rendered in detailed raised relief, with finely worked long beaks, feathers, ornamental plumage, legs, and ripples surrounding their feet. The dark brown surface has subtle reddish copper highlights and natural variations in the aged patina, giving the vase a calm and refined appearance.

An old paper label attached to the wooden box reads:

“Shentoku Three-Crane Design Vase.”

In this context, Shentoku is believed to refer to the dark brown patinated finish traditionally associated with Japanese bronze and copper-alloy objects, rather than indicating that the vase was made during the Chinese Xuande period.

Although the paper label describes the birds as cranes, their long straight beaks, neck feathers, and posture appear more consistent with herons.

The vase comes with an old fitted wooden storage box. The box bears an inscription dated:

May, Showa 6, corresponding to 1931.

Additional handwritten inscriptions appear on the box, including what may be the name of a maker or workshop, possibly reading “Shogetsu … zo.” However, some of the characters remain unclear and cannot be identified with certainty.

The box does not bear a clearly confirmed artist’s signature or seal, so it cannot be conclusively identified as a formally signed tomobako. However, the paper label specifically describes a dark-patinated vase with three birds, the box is appropriately sized for this vase, and the 1931 inscription is consistent with the apparent age of the piece. It was therefore likely used as the vase’s presentation or storage box from an early period.

Based on the form, metalworking technique, patina, and dated box inscription, the vase is believed to date from the late Meiji to early Showa period, most likely from the Taisho period to the early 1930s.

This is an attractive example of early modern Japanese metalwork, combining a restrained vase form with a highly detailed and naturalistic bird design.

Size

Vase

• Height: approximately 24 cm / 9.4 inches

• Diameter: approximately 12 cm / 4.7 inches

• Weight: approximately 1,445 g / 3.19 lb

Wooden box

• Approximately 27 × 16 × 16 cm

• Approximately 10.6 × 6.3 × 6.3 inches

Condition

This is an old antique item and shows noticeable age-related wear.

There are numerous small scratches, scuffs, marks, surface dirt, discoloration, uneven patina, and areas of oxidation throughout. The rim and body also show wear from long-term use and storage. Whitish marks and spots, as well as areas where reddish copper tones are visible, can be seen on the surface.

The wooden box also shows scratches, stains, discoloration, wear, old handwritten inscriptions, and damage or remnants from attached paper labels. Old Japanese newspaper remains inside the box as packing material.

There are no major cracks or significant structural damages. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The vase will be shipped with its old wooden storage box.