Tokyo Japanese Bronze, ca. 1900
Appraised Value:
$4,000 - $8,000
IMAGE: 1 of 2
Appraisal Video: (2:29)
Appraised By:
James Callahan
Asian Arts
Director, Asian Works of Art
Skinner, Inc.
Appraisal Transcript:
APPRAISER: What do you know about this piece?
GUEST: That she's a beautiful bronze. I know nothing about it.
APPRAISER: It most certainly is a beautiful bronze. particularly the patina that's on this vase. It's Japanese and it was made in the Meiji period, and that's 1868 to 1911. And this one is what they refer to as "Tokyo School." The Tokyo School is a realistic school of art that basically developed in response to Western influences. This piece was probably made about 1880. It would have been impossible for the Japanese to even conceive of this piece in the 1870s. So it's just amazing how rapidly they picked up on Western techniques and even Western subject matters. Like, one thing you can see on this piece is the realism in her face. You know, it's just incredible. And then you can see that exceedingly European bow. I believe you worked in metal yourself?
GUEST: Yes, I do.
APPRAISER: You can see the technique in this one. Beautiful work. Loads of different techniques. All of these fans in the water. That is carved in.
GUEST: Yeah, all carved into it.
APPRAISER: This is a lost wax casting, but just a magnificent piece of work. I'm surprised it's not signed, though. Usually they are. They were very, very proud of their work. One thing, in her right hand, there's a little hole there.
GUEST: Right, I noticed that.
APPRAISER: And that was probably a flower or a butterfly that was in there, which I imagine you might be able to fabricate.
GUEST: Would it be in bronze as well or silver?
APPRAISER: It could have been even silver. More likely in bronze. But it could have even been in silver. So, where'd you get it?
GUEST: At a local, uh, antique fair.
APPRAISER: An antique fair. Do you remember what you paid for it?
GUEST: Uh, I believe $35.
APPRAISER: $35? What'd you think it was worth?
GUEST: Uh, I knew it... I knew it, because of the quality of it, that maybe a thousand dollars or so.
APPRAISER: In a very, very reasonable auction estimate, and auction estimates are conservative, this piece would be $4,000 to $6,000.
GUEST: Wow.
APPRAISER: And I wouldn't be surprised if actually when the hammer came down you'd be looking at something that might be more like $8,000.
GUEST: Oh, my goodness. My wife will be pleased.
