Vintage Japanese Water Basin, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-698

Japanese Mizubachi Water Basin | Decorative Bowl & Living Room Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-698

A finely cast bronze mizubachi with lobed flower-form rim, all-over seigaiha wave ground, and naturalistic marine relief -- presented in its original wood storage box.

A mizubachi is a traditional Japanese water basin used in the context of the tea ceremony and refined interior display, typically placed in a tokonoma alcove or garden setting to hold fresh water as a symbol of purity and seasonal awareness. This handcrafted Japanese antique is cast in bronze with a dark, warmly patinated finish that speaks to decades of careful use. The basin takes a graceful multi-lobed, flower-form silhouette -- a shape known as mokko -- and the entire exterior surface is covered in dense seigaiha (overlapping wave scale) ground texture, against which sculpted relief motifs of shells, stylized foliage, and scrolling waves emerge in low relief. Scrolled bracket feet with ball terminals elevate the basin with an elegant formality, and the underside reveals a fine seigaiha ground continuing beneath, along with a stamped maker's seal -- evidence of a skilled foundry craftsman. The piece is accompanied by its original kiri (paulownia) wood storage box, confirming its status as a presentation-quality object.

In today's home, this vintage Japanese bronze basin brings an immediate wabi-sabi aesthetic to any room. Displayed dry, it makes a compelling living room accent piece -- set on a low shelf or console to hold smooth river stones, a single camellia bloom, or a bundle of dried botanicals. Its generous shallow form is equally suited as an entryway catchall tray for keys and small objects, lending a Japandi style sensibility to a modern foyer. Collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese antique metalwork will prize both its sculptural quality and the rarity of finding such a piece intact with its original storage box -- making it a distinctive gift for collectors or a memorable housewarming gift for anyone with a passion for Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Cast bronze with dark patina; original kiri (paulownia) wood storage box
• Use: Mizubachi -- decorative water basin for tea ceremony display or tokonoma alcove presentation
• Modern Use: Living room accent display bowl with stones or botanicals; entryway catchall tray; centerpiece for Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Multi-lobed mokko flower-form silhouette; all-over seigaiha (wave scale) ground on exterior and base; sculpted relief of shells, foliage, and scrolling waves on side walls; scrolled bracket feet with ball terminals; stamped maker's seal on underside; includes original kiri wood storage box
• Dimensions: 11"W x 17"D x 4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and finely worked piece of Japanese antique bronze -- the mizubachi's sculptural presence and rich dark patina make it a lasting conversation piece in any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.