Posted 10 years ago
LennyLovett
(1 item)
This has been in my family about 100 years. My Great Grandfather had it at his business in Shanghai in the 1930's. I believe the inscription on the bottom dates it to 1592 as the Japanese invasion, however; I am not sure of this any help identifying what year it was made, what it may be worth, or what it was used for would be greatly appreciated.
![[GN1-04-4-12] Japanese Sword: Papered Kanemoto Katana in Shirasaya w Gold Mei](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/a4AAAOSwBg1mIA1H/s-l225.jpg)
I agree with JWENDELL222.
Japanese.
A stunner!
Unverified artist or manufacturer trademark with a signature consisting of nine kanji characters. From left to right, top to bottom. "Dai Nip-pon" (Great Japan), Bus-sei nen" (during Bunsei period), "Sei-min shinchu" (made of alloy or brass) by Seimin.
The Bunsei period spanned the years from April 1818 through December 1830. The reigning emperor was Ninko-tenno.
Thank you for the information. The pictures do not do it justice. It's hand carved or etched over the entire surface. I have always been fascinated by how long such a task must have taken. It is also huge it takes two people to lift it. I will have to check and see. I believe my grandfathers steamship company did make a Japanese voyage. I assumed it was Chinese as I have a picture of him standing by it at his office in Shanghai the 1930's.
I stand corrected he died in 1932. The picture must have been taken in the 20's.
There are twelve lobes or ten? I was wondering about the animals. Are they the zodiac? Maybe not?
Even the bottom of the pot is decorated!
There are twelve. They appear to be zodiac and line up with the Chinese zodiac characters. However; I have learned that the Japanese share the same zodiac characters.
To some extent the bottom is the picture of the makers mark is on the bottom. It appears each of the 12 panels, top bottom and handles where made separately and somehow welded together than etched,
Check out this photo!
http://www.oldphotosjapan.com/en/photos/253/bronze-ware-craftsmen#.UyvsdCcaySM
Thanks, that's very interesting. I confirmed his ships did go to Tokyo starting 1923. He may have even earlier as he had a freight company in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Beautiful bronze :-) love it !!