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Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Plate with Sentoku and Shakudo Inlays

Japanese Meiji bronze plate with mixed metal inlays of birds, trees, and boat. - view 1
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Estimated value

$450 - $1,200

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

Category

Asian Art

Era

late 19th century (Meiji Period)

Origin

🇯🇵 Japan

Authenticity

Moderate(65%)
16

JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD BRONZE PLATE WITH SENTOKU AND SHAKUDO INLAYS: IDENTIFICATION

A circular bronze charger featuring high-relief mixed-metal inlays, characteristic of the Meiji-era metalworking transition. The composition utilizes different alloys—likely sentoku (yellow brass), shakudo (copper-gold), and shibuichi (copper-silver)—to create a multi-colored scenic depiction of a figure seated by water near a traditional roofed boat. Fine katakiri-bori engraving defines the water ripples and tree bark, while the herons and cherry blossoms are applied in relief to create a dimensional effect.

Compare with other Asian art pieces in the archive: Chinese Archaistic Carved Jade Figure, Hongshan/Shang Style, Balinese Art Deco Wooden Sculpture of a Winged Celestial (Kinnari), Chinese Archaistic 'Taotie' and 'Chilong' Jade Pendant.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Victorian England1870-1900

The 'Aesthetic Movement' shared a fascination with mixed-metal techniques and Japanese motifs during the late 19th century.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Traditional gift-giving (Gifting culture) where high-quality metalwork was presented to foreign dignitaries and wealthy merchants.

Meaning Through Time

Edo Period

Metalwork focused on protection and status through sword furniture (tsuba/menuki).

Meiji Period

Metalwork shifted to purely decorative export art representing national identity to the West.

DYNASTY & PROVENANCE

During the Meiji transition (1868–1912), the Haitorei edict of 1876 prohibited the wearing of swords, forcing skilled kinko (metalworkers) to transition from samurai sword fittings to decorative 'art metal' for the Western export market. This specific style of mixed-metal inlay, often called 'soft ...
During the Meiji transition (1868–1912), the Haitorei edict of 1876 prohibited the wearing of swords, forcing skilled kinko (metalworkers) to transition from samurai sword fittings to decorative 'art metal' for the Western export market. This specific style of mixed-metal inlay, often called 'soft metal' work, reached its peak between 1880 and 1900, with workshops like Komai of Kyoto and Nogawa producing high-quality chargers for international exhibitions like the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

SCARCITY

Uncommon70-80%
CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Rarity 5/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 12 asian items at rarity 5 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Limited production
  • Named makers
  • Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

  • Absence of a visible maker's mark or signed seal on the reverse
  • Prevalence of 20th-century tourist-grade 'mixed metal' reproductions
  • Lighting in images obscures the fine detail of the engraving (chisel work)
How does authenticity detection work?

ASIAN ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

The stylistic execution and specific alloy colors are highly characteristic of Meiji export metalwork, though the lack of a prominent signature and image clarity for fine engraving prevents a higher rating.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Presence of shakudo and shibuichi alloys, which requires specific chemical patination techniques not found in modern cheap brass copies.
  • 2Integrated use of katakiri-bori (slanted chisel) engraving to mimic brushwork on the water and trees.
  • 3Condition of the footrim and verso shows natural oxidation patterns consistent with 100+ years of age.
  • 4The compositional layout follows the 'flat' perspective typical of Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e).

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The lack of a 'Nogawa' or 'Hattori' mark suggests it may be from a smaller, undocumented workshop.
  • •Unusually bright yellow rim may indicate recent cleaning or a higher zinc content in the base alloy.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine the reverse with a 10x loupe for small stamped signatures near the footrim.
  • →Perform a density test to confirm the presence of traditional lead-bronze casting.
  • →Obtain a high-resolution macro photo of the heron's eye to check for fine 'zogan' (inlay) precision.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Visible surface oxidation and light verdigris on the reverse indicate age; some minor wear to the gilt highlights on the cherry blossoms is consistent with seasonal handling.

ASIAN ART VALUATION

$450 - $1,200

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Specialist collectors of Meiji-era metalwork and enthusiasts of Japanese decorative arts who value technique over brand name.

What increases value

  • •Variety of different metal alloys used in a single composition
  • •Condition of the chemical patination (uncleaned originals command premiums)
  • •Complexity of the high-relief (takazogan) elements

What lowers value

  • •Over-polishing which destroys the original chemical patina
  • •Corrosion or 'pitting' from improper storage
  • •Structural weakness in the applied relief pieces

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Signatures from the 'Komai' or 'Nogawa' workshops
  • •Use of true gold and silver leaf rather than imitation alloys
  • •Extremely fine hair-line engraving on bird feathers

Grade & condition

Sharpness of engraving, integrity of inlays, and state of original patination.

Rarity & demand

UncommonModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar asian objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BR

bruinsma
The Connoisseur•57 items

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