HIDEMITSU: A SUPERB AND LARGE BRONZE VASE DEPICTING HERONS AND LOTUS By Hidemitsu (Shuko), signed Hidemitsu sei Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) The pear-shaped body supported on a waisted foot and rising to a slender octagonal neck with a flared rim, the body superbly cast in relief with a group of seven herons with long beaks and gilt-ringed shakudo eyes perched amid lotus leaves executed in shallow relief which displays a particularly fine, almost misty quality. The other side of the vase is similarly cast with a hanging lotus leaf and a rising lotus pod. The bronze patinated to a warm coppery tone. The base cast HIDEMITSU sei [made by Hidemitsu]. HEIGHT 45.5 cm WEIGHT 4,374 g Condition: Very good condition with some wear and minor casting flaws. Provenance: British collection. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer`s premium – only for buyers within the EU.