Japanese Wind Bell Appraisal

Japanese Bronzed Metal Wind Bell and Stand

This decorative object consists of a hemispherical cast metal bell suspended from a figural tabletop stand. The stand is fashioned from a dark, patinated bronzed metal, likely white metal or spelter with a bronze finish, featuring a heavy, organic rock-form base. From this base, a blooming branch rises, meticulously cast with textured leaves, multi-petaled flowers, and a detailed small bird perched in flight along the arched arm. The bell itself exhibits a darker, aged patina with hand-painted or enameled floral motifs in shades of muted orange, yellow, and green, depicting stylized chrysanthemum-like patterns. The construction suggests an early 20th-century origin, possibly Meiji or Taisho era in style, though likely a later export piece. Notable features include the detailed casting of the bird's feathers and the tactile ridges of the floral petals. Condition-wise, the item shows significant age-related wear: there is visible oxidation and pitting on the metal surface, a thinning of the original finish on the high points of the floral stand, and some loss or fading of the enamel on the bell. The suspension hook shows slight surface rust. Overall, the piece demonstrates good craftsmanship with a balanced, asymmetrical aesthetic typical of Japanese-inspired decorative arts.