Antique Japanese Bronze Suiban or Bonsai Display Vessel by Tōun-sai (Meiji Period)
Antique Japanese Bronze Suiban or Bonsai Display Vessel by Tōun-sai (Meiji Period)
Antique Japanese Bronze Suiban or Bonsai Display Vessel by Tōun-sai (Meiji Period)
A quietly powerful object of balance and symbolism, this Meiji-period bronze suiban embodies the harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and ritual display that defines traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Key Features
-
Authentic Japanese bronze suiban / bonsai display vessel from the late Meiji period (circa 1895–1910)
-
Finely cast dragon, wave, and cloud reliefs symbolising strength, renewal, and auspicious fortune
-
Raised rectangular form supported on four bamboo-form legs with naturalistic detailing
-
Deeply developed aged patina with areas of verdigris, evidencing genuine age and use
-
Cast studio mark to underside: 渡雲齋造 (Tōun-sai zō – “Made by the Tōun-sai Studio”)
-
Associated with the Murata Seimin school of refined Meiji metalworkers
-
Suitable for bonsai, suiseki, ikebana-style display, or as a sculptural decorative object
-
Strong sculptural presence with balanced proportions and tactile surface quality
Full Description
This beautifully cast Japanese bronze suiban or bonsai display vessel dates from the late Meiji period, a time when Japanese metalwork reached exceptional levels of technical refinement and artistic expression. Designed for the contemplative presentation of bonsai or suiseki stones, the vessel balances utility with symbolic ornament.
The exterior is adorned with animated dragon reliefs emerging through stylised waves and drifting clouds — motifs deeply rooted in Japanese visual culture. Dragons represent strength, wisdom, and benevolent power, while water and cloud imagery evoke renewal, movement, and harmony with the natural world.
The rectangular body is elevated on four bamboo-form legs, a design choice that reinforces the vessel’s connection to nature while lending lightness and elegance to its overall form. Each surface shows evidence of careful hand-finishing, with subtle variations in texture that catch the light across the bronze.
To the underside appears the cast studio mark 渡雲齋造 (Tōun-sai zō), translating to “Made by the Tōun-sai Studio.” This studio is associated with the Murata Seimin lineage, renowned for producing high-quality bronzes and okimono during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Measuring 32 cm wide × 19.5 cm deep × 9 cm high, the vessel is ideally scaled for tabletop display. Whether used traditionally or appreciated purely as an art object, it carries a quiet authority — contemplative, grounded, and richly expressive of Meiji-period craftsmanship.
This refined bronze suiban sits beautifully within our wider collection of Japanese and Asian Art, where symbolism, craftsmanship, and historic design converge. It also complements our curated selection of decorative bronzes and objects d’art, offering timeless pieces chosen for their artistry and presence.
Dimensions
-
Height: 9 cm
-
Width: 32 cm
-
Depth: 19.5 cm
Materials
-
Cast bronze
-
Hand-chased relief decoration
-
Naturally developed aged patina with verdigris
Condition
As with all genuine antiques, this piece shows signs of age, use, and gentle wear accumulated over more than a century. The surface displays a deep, mellow patina with traces of verdigris, minor surface marks, and handling wear consistent with its period. Overall condition is very good and entirely commensurate with age, enhancing its authenticity and character.
Origin / Period
-
Origin: Japan
-
Period: Late Meiji period, circa 1895–1910
Styling Suggestions
Display as a bonsai or suiseki vessel on a low wooden stand, or place as a sculptural centrepiece on a console, scholar’s desk, or open shelving. Pairs beautifully with natural materials such as wood, stone, linen, and ceramics, and complements both minimalist and wabi-sabi inspired interiors.
FAQ
Q: Is this vessel still suitable for functional use?
A: Yes. It can be used for traditional bonsai or suiseki display, though many collectors choose to display pieces like this purely as decorative art objects.
Q: Is the studio mark authentic?
A: Yes. The cast mark 渡雲齋造 (Tōun-sai zō) is consistent with known Meiji-period bronze studio practices and confirms its origin.
Q: Does the patina affect value?
A: No — quite the opposite. The aged patina and verdigris are highly desirable and indicative of genuine age and untouched surface.
Unique Points
-
Signed Meiji-period Japanese bronze
-
Rare suiban form with bamboo-leg construction
-
Strong symbolic dragon and cloud iconography
-
Associated with a respected metalworking lineage
-
Rich untouched patina prized by collectors
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
📞 +44 (0) 7973 154860
💬 WhatsApp (button available on any page)
✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
Alternatively you can use the Live Chat on our website
(bottom left hand corner), message us via WhatsApp or via our
Instagram account.
Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
Always here to help.
Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
If you have any questions please contact us before ordering.
Here to help.
All direct payment gateways adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.