Japanese Octagonal Dragon Zinc Vase

Traditional Japanese metalworkers are renowned for creating specialized alloys that elevated the art of refining, molding, and casting metals. An alloy of zinc and copper gives this metal vessel its rich dark color, intricately decorated with alternating panels of scale-work patterning and serpentine dragons twisting through auspicious clouds. Swirling cloud formations around the neck of the vessel suggest the dragons are soaring upwards towards the heavens. Set in high relief against the matte texture of this cast vessel, we love how the buffed surface of the raised design brings out its warmth.