A patinated bronze vase with grapevines and insects, signed Sessei

A patinated bronze vase of globular form with a cylindrical neck, decorated in high relief with intertwining grapevines and numerous insects, signed Okazaki Sessei (1854–1921).

Gracefully winding vine branches encircle the body of the vase, accompanied by large, finely chased leaves and an array of insects rendered with remarkable naturalistic precision, including a cricket, a praying mantis, a dragonfly, a spider, and a butterfly.

The exceptional quality of the workmanship is evident in the meticulous rendering of the leaf veins and the finely detailed surfaces of each insect.

The neck and the base are enriched with engraved decorative borders featuring archaic motifs.

Signed "Sessei" (Okazaki Sessei, 1854–1921) beneath the base within a rectangular reserve.

Period: Meiji period, late 19th century
Dimensions: 33 × 28 cm
Weight: 7.36 kg
Condition: Excellent condition.