An octagonal miniature Japanese bronze, bell metal mirror. Relief decoration of phoenix, kirin, pheasants and other birds among cloud wisps and floral decoration. The mirror forms one of the three Imperial regalia of Japan (the other two being the sword and magatama bead.) A small four character mark appears along the edge (have been told it is an Imperial Japanese mint mark but have not confirmed this.) Probably a presentation medal or token of appreciation. Diameter from flat edges 2 5/8" (6.67cm), from points 2 13/16" (7.14cm). A clear bell tone is heard when struck. Condition is very good with full detail of decoration but with distressed gilding (faint traces remaining on the front) and one deeper scratch (among other scratching) to the flat side of the mirror (perhaps noticeable because of the more extensive remaining gilt on that side.) Our camera and lighting apparently did not pick up on the traces of gilt. Note that while this is in the form of a traditional mirror, it was never intended as a functional mirror. The first enlarged view approximates actual size. The remaining enlarged views are larger than actual size. Seems to be mid 20th century.

A good bronze model of an elephant with nicely textured skin. Probably not earlier that Taisho era. Good condition with only minor wear to the dark patina (tiny spattered white paint on one side should clean off easily enough.) Length from tip of trunk to extended back foot 10 1/4 inches [26.04 cm]. Height to extended trunk 7 1/4 inches [18.42 cm] (to top of head 5 1/8 inches [13.02 cm]). Weight 2.63 lb [1.19 kg]

A 19th century Japanese rectangular, slightly bombe, bronze brazier (hibachi) and incense burner. Decoration in the Chinese manner with a band of stylized lotus blossom palmettes below the rim appears above lappets with flower head ornaments spaced regularly around the girth and interrupted at each end with a lion head boss. Another band with stylized foliate decoration appears above the base raised on four post feet with lion head ornamentation. Decorative work is picked out with a darker patination for affect. Good condition. The bottom with two small patches surely dating to manufacture (these each appear near a foot in our fourth enlargement - not the sticker trace near the center of bottom.) Length between the lion head bosses at each end is 8 3/8 inches (21.2 cm). Widest point is 5 7/8 inches (14.9 cm). Height is 4 3/4 inches (12.06 cm).

A Japanese, Meiji era, six part bronze usabata with relief decoration. Used for ikebana flower arrangements. The baluster form main vessel with bird and crab on one side and hawk and snake on the other side - both in forested water fall landscapes - and four smaller birds in landscape panels. Separate floral and foliate handles. Separate top flaring to a broad, disc form with tall rim featuring six birds in landscape panels below incised key bordered rim surrounding incised decoration of carp, salamander and turtle in water among aquatic plants. Separate trifid support with high relief and sculptural peonies decoration. Separate base with chidori (sparrows) over active sea. Good condition with minor conservation comprised of improvisation to one missing pin supporting one of the handles (an easy fix for a metalwork restorer) and a similar improvisation using a loosely fitted bamboo pin to support one of the peony blooms on the trifid support (also an easy fix for a metalwork specialist.) Very minor losses to peony petals. Signed Yamashiro ju min Shikishi Takayoshi Kore Tsukuru. Overall height 23 1/4 inches (59.05 cm). Rim diameter 11 3/8 inches (28.89 cm). Weight and to some extent size will be a factor when shipping this uncommon find.