Akahori Shinpei (Japanese, 1899-1992), Three Japanese Bronze and Gilt Vases with Iris and Grapes

Meiji or Taisho period, early 20th century, includes a tall vase gilt bronze vase with bark texture to the main body and iris flowers cast in high relief, raised on three shaped feet with an impressed seal 信平 (Shinpei) to the underside, and a pair of smaller vases cast with bark texture to main body and decorated in gilt with vines and cascades of grape bunches in high relief, one with seal 信平 (Shinpei) impressed to underside.

13 in., 6 1/2 in.

From the Estate of the late Businessman and Conservationist, Russell M. Leiman, Durham, North Carolina Russell Leiman built a significant portion of his career in Asian financial and corporate markets. Based in the major business centers of Hong Kong and Tokyo in the 1970s and 1980s, he advised and managed operations for global firms entering Asian markets, navigating the region’s diverse regulatory environments and rapidly growing economies. His expertise centered on structuring investments, developing multinational business strategies, and aligning Western corporate objectives with the business culture and market realities of East and Southeast Asia. At 50 years old, he moved his focus from finance to philanthropy, becoming deeply involved with The Nature Conservancy in Asia, where he helped apply private-sector financial models to support conservation initiatives across the region.

Akahori Shinpei was a member of the Japan Art Federation. He created artworks in both wood and bronze. The vases here showcase his talent or bronze and influence of Art Nouveau movement.

One of smaller vases without bottom; slight scattered minor nicks to all three; some nicks or cast pitting to interior of the rim on the tall vase; some white patina along edges; one foot on tall vase with some loss.