Vintage Brass Fish Appraisal

Vintage Solid Brass Koi Fish Sculpture

This large-scale decorative sculpture depicts a Koi or Carp fish, meticulously cast in solid brass. The piece showcases significant size, likely measuring between 18 to 24 inches in length, and is characterized by its dynamic, fluid posing. The physical construction features a heavy, sand-cast metal body with detailed scales, a prominent dorsal fin, and large, sweeping pectoral and caudal (tail) fins that are splayed to allow the item to stand independently on a flat surface. The coloration is a deep, aged bronze-to-brass tarnish, featuring a heavy natural patina with visible oxidation and verdigris (greenish discharge) particularly in the recessed areas of the fins and scales. Structurally, the fish shows no major fractures, though there are visible surface abrasions, dark spotting consistent with age, and a dulling of the original polished metal. The style suggests mid-20th-century craftsmanship, possibly of East Asian (likely Japanese or Chinese) origin, influenced by traditional motifs of luck and perseverance. The quality is indicative of a high-end decorative art piece rather than a mass-market reproduction, evidenced by the weight, the depth of the casting, and the expressive, realistic rendering of the fish's head and eyes. There are no obvious maker's marks visible on the surface, which is common for these vintage brass cast items. The overall condition is good vintage state, where the heavy oxidation adds to its character and authenticity as an older decorative object.