Offered for sale from my late Father\'s estate is a distinctive pair of vintage Japanese koi carp fish sculptures accompanied by their original-looking black wooden presentation base. My Father acquired these pieces while stationed in Japan during the late 1960s, providing personal family provenance consistent with Japan\'s Showa period (1926–1989).
The sculptures depict two realistically modeled koi carp swimming together, one finished in a dark bronze patina with gold-toned highlights and the other in a warm golden finish. Both feature detailed scales, fins, tails, and facial features.
A square Japanese maker\'s signature is cast or impressed into the underside of the larger fish. The exact artist or workshop has not yet been identified.
Details:
Origin: Japan, based on family acquisition history
Period: Showa era pre-1970 (acquired in late 1960s)
Subject: Pair of koi / carp fish
Material: Both fish appear to be heavy cast bronze sculptures based upon weight and construction. Metal composition has not been professionally tested.
Finish: Contrasting dark-patinated and golden tones
Maker\'s mark: Japanese two-character seal; maker unidentified. Possible山 (yama/san - mountain) and 光 (hikari/kō/mitsu - light or radiance)
Display: Black wooden presentation base
Quantity: Two fish sculptures and one display base
Condition: Vintage, with visible age-related wear and patina
Dimensions & Weight: Larger koi approximately 12\" long x 4\" wide x 5\" high weighing 4 lbs 3 oz. Smaller koi approximately 9\" long x 3\" wide x 3.5\" high weighing 1 lb 14 oz. Base is approximately 18.25\" long x 11.25\".
Historical Background
In Japanese culture, koi carp are traditionally associated with perseverance, strength, prosperity, and good fortune. Paired koi are also commonly associated with harmony and companionship.
These sculptures would make an attractive addition to a collection of Japanese decorative metalwork, vintage Asian art, or koi-themed furnishings.
Condition and Provenance
The fish display natural-looking age-related surface wear, patina, scratches, and areas of finish variation. The wooden base shows noticeable edge wear, scuffs, and scratches.
The pieces have not been professionally appraised or authenticated, and the maker\'s signature has not been conclusively identified. They are offered as acquired and pictured.
Shipping
Due to the weight and delicate projecting fins and tails, the sculptures and base will be individually protected and securely packaged. USPS Ground Advantage shipping will be calculated separately based on the buyer\'s location.
Please review all photographs carefully. The actual sculptures and presentation base pictured are the items offered for sale.
Sold as pictured.
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