AN IMPRESSIVE SILVER-INLAID BLACK-PATINATED BRONZE VASE WITH A MINOGAME, INSCRIBED ZESHIN Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The vase with a tall cylindrical body on a circular ring foot, short neck and slightly everted lip. Cast in high relief with a minogame, its eyes inlaid with silver and its seaweed tail of great length, drying on a craggy rock with reishi and silver-inlaid barnacles. The other side shows a crashing wave with silver-inlaid dew droplets. Zeshin was greatly influenced by metalworkers, however here it appears to be the opposite, with a metalworker paying homage to the great lacquer master, going so far as adding Zeshin's signature with a silver inlay. Minogame, hairy-tailed tortoises symbolizing longevity, were a favorite subject of Zeshin's, often appearing in both his lacquer paintings and objects. HEIGHT 35.5 cm WEIGHT 3,338 g Condition: Very good condition with expected surface wear and few minor losses. Provenance: Austrian private collection.