Info wanted on Bronze Vase?

[Kantaro]

Hello,

 

All info on this Bronze Vase is welcome. 

There is a Mei or a date on the bottom of the vase.

The little bronze lion-dogs can come off.

 

Is this a Japanese vase?

Can anyone make something of the worn mei?

How old is it?

 

Kind regards.

[Kantaro]

[Matsunoki]

Well it’s Japanese. The plaque on the bottom is a makers mark which starts “dai Nihon” but I don’t recognise the remainder. It’s trying to depict an idyllic mountain temple and possibly Jurojin (one of the lucky Gods) with his associated crane. Age….C1900ish. Please excuse the frankness but you asked for “all info” so I’m sad to tell you it’s about the worst possible quality. If you are thinking of buying it, I would not. It has very little financial value and no artistic merit.
Again, my apologies.

[SteveM]

Chinese　大明宣徳年製 ("Made during Ming Dynasty"), but put on a lot of brass items to give the appearance of age/value. 

[Kantaro]

I found a similar one on ebay:

 

Pair Meiji Japanese Bronze Baluster Vase W/ Foo Dog Handles 19th Century Signed | eBay

 

It also seems to have the same Mei...900 US Dollar? Seems overpriced a bit?

[Matsunoki]

Steve is far more knowledgeable than me on these old seal marks so I defer to him. However its anctual origin is by no means as simple. It isn’t Chinese Ming dynasty….its nowhere near good enough. However the Japanese produced stuff like this copying Chinese in both bronze and cloisonné and they put  Chinese reign marks on them….often Ming!

….so I still reckon it is of Japanese origin…..difficult to understand why the Japanese, with all their knowledge and amazing skill went down this road. Money I guess. 

[Kantaro]

I think you are right Colin, my vase came from Japan.

 

But indeed the actual origine seems not simple...