Antique Japanese Sterling Dragon Bowl Meiji

Excellent quality sterling silver presentation bowl decorated with a large repousse dragon wrapped around this entire huge surface. Decorative elements include exquisite ocean motifs and floral chasing on the circular formed foot. The dragon holds a shell in one of her claws. Condition is very good. No flaws to note. The base of the bowl bears the Japanese marks for sterling silver.

Interesting piece of information from a customer: Samurai warriors made many of these sterling pieces. They did not sign them because it was essentially unlawful for them. But during the Meiji period, the Samurai were being put to pasture; they had to make a living. And we know how exceptional the samurai were at metal work; think of all those amazing swords known the world over. So the fact that this bowl is unsigned does not in any way diminish it's value. And perhaps it was made by a Samurai ;)

Please see photos for dimensions and marks.

Item ID: 842