Two bronze plaques of mythical beasts

Japan, Meiji period, 1868 – 1912

Lengths: 10 inches, 25.5 cm and 9 inches, 23 cm

Heights: 6 inches, 15.2 cm

Two bronze plaques in the form of mythical animals, detailed with claws, elaborate manes and bushy tails. One animal is depicted sitting on its hindquarters, and looking up at the sky, the other animal is striding and looking to the left.

The fact that both finely detailed animal plaques are slightly rounded at the back would signify that they were initially intended to be applied, perhaps to a very large bronze vessel.