How can I tell if my bronze is antique?

One way to tell if your bronze is antique is to study its color. As it ages, bronze develops a natural patina, darkening in color. As a result, shiny, light-colored pieces are unlikely to be antiques. Another approach is to research the maker using trusted online resources to find out when they produced bronzes similar to yours. For assistance with the dating process, seek the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a selection of bronze sculptures on 1stDibs.

What is antique bronze finish?

The metallic finish known as antique bronze boasts a profound, dark chocolate finish that nearly approaches black. The antique bronze color is primarily a color from the brown color family.

How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?

To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.

Antique Japanese Bronze

Japanese Vases With Gold

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Bronze and Iron Cast Priest, Japan circa 1900

$2,800

Nakajima "Toyoji" Yasumi, Japanese Art Deco Patinate Bronze Vase

By Nakajima Yasumi

Located in New York, NY

This Japanese Bronze Vase is the sophisticated work of one of the great masters of Japanese metal

Category

1920s Japanese Art Deco Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Nakajima "Toyoji" Yasumi, Japanese Art Deco Patinate Bronze Vase

$2,100

Bronze Japanese Ape with Turnip

Located in Bronx, NY

A vintage early 20th century Japanese bronze of a curious ape contemplating whether or not to eat

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Other Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Japanese Ape with Turnip

$1,395

A Japanese Red and Brown Patinated Bronze, Vase, Signed: Zouroku

Located in New York, NY

form mounted at the shoulders with relief of Tao-Tie masks holding ring handles. A very good Japanese

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

A Japanese Red and Brown Patinated Bronze, Vase, Signed: Zouroku

$3,500

Pair of Bronze Vessels

Located in New York, NY

Japanese Bronze Mellon Shaped Vessels, 19th,C.

Category

19th Century Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze Vessels

$16,000 / set

A Japanese, Meiji-era (1868 – 1912) Bronze Okimono sculpture of a house cat

Located in London, GB

From our collection of Japanese Bronze works of art from the reign of Emperor Meiji, this unusual

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese, Meiji-era (1868 – 1912) Bronze Okimono sculpture of a house cat

$10,269

A Japanese Red and Green Patinated Bronze Vase

Located in New York, NY

. This handsome Japanese bronze vase in very good condition and ready to add to your collection

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese Red and Green Patinated Bronze Vase

$3,600

Pair of Japanese Art Nouveau Style Vases

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Japanese bronze and cloisonné vases with ring handles, and decorated with design of

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Metal

Pair of Japanese Art Nouveau Style Vases

$4,200

Japanese animal bronze ( tiger and water buffalo )

Located in Bronx, NY

Exceptional detail, the hallmark of Japanese bronze sculpture, is evident in this circa

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese animal bronze ( tiger and water buffalo )

$4,500

Late 19th Century Bronze Hanaike, Ikebana Display Vase

Located in Stockbridge, MA

Japanese bronze hanaike, (Ikebana display vase), with Japanese sparrows flying above the crashing

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Bronze Hanaike, Ikebana Display Vase

$2,600

Antique Japanese Circular Bronze Ikebana Container Meiji Period, circa 1890

Located in Houston, TX

A fantastic antique Japanese bronze Ikebana container Meiji period, circa 1890 in two parts. The

Category

1890s Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Circular Bronze Ikebana Container Meiji Period, circa 1890

$1,638

A Rare and Large Signed Japanese Green and Brown Patinated Bronze Flying Handle

Located in New York, NY

Bronzes of Japan, 1995, pp. 38-42. Provenance: collection of Michael Goedhuis (label on the base). This

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

A Rare and Large Signed Japanese Green and Brown Patinated Bronze Flying Handle

$16,000

Early 20th Century Japanese Champlevé Lamp

Located in Hudson, NY

Encrusted turquoise, garnet, and lapis enamel on Japanese bronze urn. Chrysanthemums symbolizes

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Early 20th Century Japanese Champlevé Lamp

$1,600

Pair of Solid Bronze "Shokudai" Candle Stands Meiji Period Japan

Located in Houston, TX

A pair of "shokudai" solid bronze candle stands from the Meiji period in Japan (1868-1912). Please

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Solid Bronze "Shokudai" Candle Stands Meiji Period Japan

$1,982 / set

19th Century Japanese Kimono Tansu

By Japanese Studio

Located in Washington, DC

Striking two section, kiri wood tansu with hand forged iron and bronze decorative hardware. chest

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century Japanese Kimono Tansu

$3,200

Japanese Archaistic Bronze Vase

Located in Seattle, WA

Japanese archaistic bronze vase of tall slender form. The square mouth vase based on an ancient

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Archaistic Bronze Vase

$1,400

Japanese Meiji Bronze Vessel

Located in San Francisco, CA

A large beautifully patinated Meiji period bronze ring handled vessel used to catch rain water. Old

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Bronze Vessel

$1,950

Japanese Patinated Bronze Lotus Vase

Located in New York, NY

This tall, striking Japanese vase opens above a hexagonal, lotus form lobed neck and conforming

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Patinated Bronze Lotus Vase

$12,500

Bronze Japanes Geisha

Located in Essex, MA

Highly detailed bronze of a female Japanese musician playing a percussion instrument.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Japanes Geisha

$3,250

Japanese Pair of Bronze Vases

By Hatayama

Located in MILANO, IT

Elegant pair of finely bronze vases decorated with floral motifs with gold and silver inlay

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Pair of Bronze Vases

$4,153

Bronze Japanese Pagoda Lanterns

Located in Woodstock, NY

A set of three table top lanterns. beautifully cast in bronze. Crisp castings, with a variety of

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Japanese Pagoda Lanterns

$2,800 / set

Pair of Lobed Bronze Japanese Planters

Located in New York, NY

A pair of beautifully detailed and graceful bronze Japanese planters of loved shape, with raised

Category

1920s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Lobed Bronze Japanese Planters

$3,200 / set

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture of a chinese / japanese puppy, Japan Meiji Era

Located in Saverne, Grand Est

Extraordinary bronze okimono with dark brown patina representing a Japanese Chin playing with a

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture of a chinese / japanese puppy, Japan Meiji Era

$11,273

19th Century Japanese Patinated Bronze Vase

Located in Paris, FR

A patinated bronze vase in shape of a baluster, Japan, late Edo period (1600-1868)

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japanese Patinated Bronze Vase

$3,322

Japanese Kanazawa School Bronze Vases – Goto Seijiro

Located in Christchurch, GB

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this unusual shape heavy

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Japanese Kanazawa School Bronze Vases – Goto Seijiro

$8,633

19th Century Japanese Ikebana Bronze ( Flowers Vase)

Located in Paris, FR

Bronze vase depicting a basketry. Japon – Meiji (1868-1912). Measures: Height 45 cm, diameter

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japanese Ikebana Bronze ( Flowers Vase)

$2,729

19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Urn

By Hashimoto Eijirô 1

Located in Brisbane, Queensland

A 19th century Japanese Meiji period cast bronze urn signed by Hashimoto Eijiro of West Kyoto. The

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Urn

$2,750

Late 19th Century Bronze Represent a Lion Japan

Located in Paris, FR

Lion in bronze Late 19th century Japan.

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Bronze Represent a Lion Japan

$3,322

Antique Japanese Figural Bronze Plant Stand

By G. None

Located in Bronx, NY

This beautifully sculpted 19th century detailed bronze sculpture features a robed Japanese man

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Figural Bronze Plant Stand

$3,300

Large Japanese Cast Bronze Figure of a Fisherman

Located in Wilton, CT

Finely and Realistically Detailed Figure of a Fisherman Landing a Fish, Covered in a Faux Green Patina.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Large Japanese Cast Bronze Figure of a Fisherman

$12,500

Japanese mixed metal inlaid bronze vase, signed Inoue

Located in Saverne, Grand Est

Bronze vase with inlaid decoration of birds and butterflies among cherry blossom branches, the neck

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese mixed metal inlaid bronze vase, signed Inoue

$13,647

19th Century, Large Japanese Sectional Bronze Vase and Stand, Japan

Located in London, GB

An impressive 240cm x 83cm piece! It is available to view at our shops location if wanting to see it in person. It is beautiful decorated with dragons on the sides of the vase, and...

Category

19th Century Japanese Other Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century, Large Japanese Sectional Bronze Vase and Stand, Japan

$31,492

Japanese Meiji Period Tokyo School Bronze Camel

Located in Mosman Park, AU

A fine quality Japanese Meiji period Tokyo School bronze model of a Bactrian camel, standing

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Tokyo School Bronze Camel

$11,500

JAPANESE PATINATED BRONZE ABALONE SHELL FOR FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

Located in San Francisco, CA

; OF RICHLY PATINATED BRONZE

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

JAPANESE PATINATED BRONZE ABALONE SHELL FOR FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

$4,750

Japanese Lacquer and Bronze Temple Ranma Panel

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

Japanese Temple Ranma (Panel) lacquered with many coats of lacquer which created this rich dark

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Lacquer and Bronze Temple Ranma Panel

$1,715

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Urn Lamp

Located in Atlanta, GA

Japanese Meiji period bronze vase mounted as a lamp with bird and foliage decoration. 34" H to top

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Urn Lamp

$2,600

19th Century Japanese Gilt Bronze

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A gilt bronze Japanese sculpture of a graceful crane standing on a turtle grasping a snake. White

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Japanese Gilt Bronze

$1,000

Bronze Kirin Incensor Bird Ingot Original Wooden Box, Japan

Located in Monterey, CA

symbolizes wealth and prosperity. This bronze incense comes with its original wooden box. It is from Japan

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Kirin Incensor Bird Ingot Original Wooden Box, Japan

$8,100

A Japanese Meiji period bronze model of two Oni.

Located in New York, NY

A Japanese Meiji period patinated and inlaid bronze model of two Oni, mythological characters from

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese Meiji period bronze model of two Oni.

$40,000

18th Century Japanese Ikebana Bronze (Vase)

Located in Paris, FR

Ikebana Vase (usubata) in bronze-mounted on a small heel curved base, angular shoulder, cylindrical

Category

1750s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

18th Century Japanese Ikebana Bronze (Vase)

$5,696

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture Of A Tiger, Japan Meiji Era

Located in Saverne, Grand Est

Magnificent bronze okimono representing a roaring tiger. The feline's skin is rendered in great

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture Of A Tiger, Japan Meiji Era

$3,678

Japanese Late Meiji Taisho Period Bronze

Located in London, GB

A Japanese late Meiji Taisho period bronze of Gamma Senin as a seated loose robed man, a separate

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Japanese Late Meiji Taisho Period Bronze

$8,900

Important Japanese Edo Period Bronze Temple Bell

Located in San Francisco, CA

Large and heavy hand-wrought Japanese Buddhist Temple bell, dating to the early 18th century ( Edo

Category

18th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Important Japanese Edo Period Bronze Temple Bell

$12,500

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture by Genryusai Seiya, Japan Meiji Era

Located in Saverne, Grand Est

bronze okimono. Excellent quality ! Japan, late 19th century.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture by Genryusai Seiya, Japan Meiji Era

$2,254

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture By Kakuha Kanzaemon, Japan Meiji Era

Located in Saverne, Grand Est

Superb bronze okimono with black patina representing a peasant resting after his work, a basket of

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture By Kakuha Kanzaemon, Japan Meiji Era

$2,966

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture Of An Eagle, Japan Meiji Era

Located in Saverne, Grand Est

Rare bronze okimono with multiple patina representing a bird of prey perched on a hollow trunk

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Okimono - Bronze Sculpture Of An Eagle, Japan Meiji Era

$13,647

Pair of Japanese Kutani Urns on Gilt Bronze Pedestals

Located in Vancouver, BC

Pair of Japanese Kutani urns mounted on gilt bronze. Beautiful color and composition on cast bronze

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Kutani Urns on Gilt Bronze Pedestals

$15,000 / set

Japanese Finely Cast Bronze Mizu-bachi or Water Vessel Bowl

Located in Seattle, WA

Japanese finely cast bronze mizu-bachi or water vessel placed in front of a shrine and used to

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Finely Cast Bronze Mizu-bachi or Water Vessel Bowl

$2,750

Polished Bronze-Mounted Tall Japanese Vase

Located in Woodbury, CT

Glazed in a bright yellow with female head masks on either side and a bronze rococo base. Bronze

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Pottery

Polished Bronze-Mounted Tall Japanese Vase

$4,500

18th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain and French Ormolu Bronze

Located in Paris, FR

Perfume fountain in Imari porcelain. Gilt bronze mounts. Porcelain: Imari, Japan, Edo. Gilt

Category

1790s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain and French Ormolu Bronze

$21,361

Japanese Satsuma Gilt Bronze-Mounted Porcelain Bowl

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

An elegant Japanese gilt brass-mounted porcelain bowl of round form decorated in the late

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Japanese Satsuma Gilt Bronze-Mounted Porcelain Bowl

$1,250

Japanese Influence, Gilded Bronze Chandelier

Located in Paris, FR

Japanese influence, totally gilded bronze chandelier with twelve-lights, circa 1860.

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Influence, Gilded Bronze Chandelier

$47,469

Japanese Imari Porcelain Compote on Bronze Base 19th Century

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

the heart of the Japanese porcelain industry Originally $ 3,350.00 CHECK OUR INVENTORY FOR

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Imari Porcelain Compote on Bronze Base 19th Century

$2,500

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Bronze "Red Crowned" Cranes

Located in Charleston, SC

Elegant pair of bronze cranes of the Meiji Pd with finely detailed beak, feathers, legs and feet

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Granite, Bronze

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Bronze "Red Crowned" Cranes

$5,900 / set

Japan Meiji Period Bronze of Two Playing Puppy Dogs

Located in Hamburg, DE

Group of cute puppy dogs Japan Meiji period bronze1868-1911 signed

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japan Meiji Period Bronze of Two Playing Puppy Dogs

$3,797

Bronze Japanese Censer with Elephant Handles and Ball Relief Cranes

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

A late Meiji period bronze baluster urn with two elephant shaped handles and a central cartouche

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Japanese Censer with Elephant Handles and Ball Relief Cranes

$800

A Japanese, late 19th Century refined Bronze and multi-metal Koro

Located in London, GB

From our collection of Japanese Meiji-era (1868-1912) metalware, this refined Bronze and multi

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Silver, Bronze

A Japanese, late 19th Century refined Bronze and multi-metal Koro

$13,007

Asian Art and Furniture Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Asian Art and Furniture

19th Century Asian Art and Furniture

Metal Asian Art and Furniture

Asian Asian Art and Furniture

Asian Art and Furniture on Sale

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Antique Japanese Bronze For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique Japanese bronze on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, bronze and wood, every piece of antique Japanese bronze was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique Japanese bronze is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Art Nouveau, Louis XV and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. A well-made choice in our collection of antique Japanese bronze has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Eisuke Miyao, Satsuma and Awaji Pottery are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Japanese Bronze?

Prices for a piece of antique Japanese bronze start at $73 and top out at $375,000 with the average selling for $2,500.

Questions About Antique Japanese Bronze

How can I tell if my bronze is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
One way to tell if your bronze is antique is to study its color. As it ages, bronze develops a natural patina, darkening in color. As a result, shiny, light-colored pieces are unlikely to be antiques. Another approach is to research the maker using trusted online resources to find out when they produced bronzes similar to yours. For assistance with the dating process, seek the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a selection of bronze sculptures on 1stDibs.
What is antique bronze finish?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
The metallic finish known as antique bronze boasts a profound, dark chocolate finish that nearly approaches black. The antique bronze color is primarily a color from the brown color family.
How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.