Superb 19th-century Japanese bronze vase with fine silver inlay depicting a samurai fighting a serpentine dragon. A second dragon crowns the lid. Further decoration of chrysanthemums and lilies.
Provenance
- Said to have been acquired from descendants of Marshal Adolphe Niel in the 1980s
- Purchased at auction, catalogued as from the collection of Marshal Niel
- Private collection since
Auction catalogue entry and purchase records available on request.
Historical context
Marshal Adolphe Niel (1802-1869) was a French military engineer and one of Napoleon III’s most trusted military advisers. He was made Marshal of France on the field at Solferino in 1859 and served as Minister of War from 1867 until his death. During his tenure, a French military mission sent to train the Tokugawa shogunate’s army arrived in Japan (1867). One of its officers, Captain Jules Brunet, famously stayed on to fight alongside the shogunate’s supporters and later inspired the film The Last Samurai.
Condition
Signs of use to the surface. Lid and handles are removable. Possible old alterations (handles and neck), made in the 19th or early 20th century, in keeping with the period practice of adapting Asian objects with French decorative additions.
Dimensions: H 42 x D 32.5 cm
This item is a work of art or an antique over 100 years old. Shipping restrictions and import regulations may apply depending on your country. Please contact us before placing your order so we can confirm carrier eligibility, customs requirements and any documentation needed for import.
Offered by RDS Gallery, Paris. Worldwide shipping with specialist packaging.
Superb 19th-century Japanese bronze vase with fine silver inlay depicting a samurai fighting a serpentine dragon. A second dragon crowns the lid. Further decoration of chrysanthemums and lilies.
Provenance
- Said to have been acquired from descendants of Marshal Adolphe Niel in the 1980s
- Purchased at auction, catalogued as from the collection of Marshal Niel
- Private collection since
Auction catalogue entry and purchase records available on request.
Historical context
Marshal Adolphe Niel (1802-1869) was a French military engineer and one of Napoleon III’s most trusted military advisers. He was made Marshal of France on the field at Solferino in 1859 and served as Minister of War from 1867 until his death. During his tenure, a French military mission sent to train the Tokugawa shogunate’s army arrived in Japan (1867). One of its officers, Captain Jules Brunet, famously stayed on to fight alongside the shogunate’s supporters and later inspired the film The Last Samurai.
Condition
Signs of use to the surface. Lid and handles are removable. Possible old alterations (handles and neck), made in the 19th or early 20th century, in keeping with the period practice of adapting Asian objects with French decorative additions.
Dimensions: H 42 x D 32.5 cm
This item is a work of art or an antique over 100 years old. Shipping restrictions and import regulations may apply depending on your country. Please contact us before placing your order so we can confirm carrier eligibility, customs requirements and any documentation needed for import.
Offered by RDS Gallery, Paris. Worldwide shipping with specialist packaging.
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