AN BRONZE AND PARCEL-GILT AMPHORA VASEJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The baluster body in the style of a Chinese archaistic amphora with dragon handles, inlaid in silver, gilt, and copper, details worked in takazogan and shibuichi. One side decorated with bats in flight amid blossoming wisteria, the other with sparrows (suzume). The neck and foot decorated with leafy and key fret borders in silver and gilt.HEIGHT 23.4 cmWEIGHT 1,620 gCondition: Very good condition, fine patina, with manufacturing irregularities and casting flaws.Provenance: British private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related bronze vase by Suzuki Chokichi, dated Meiji, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art 7 Nov 2019, London, lot 218 (sold for 5,312 GBP).