Japanese Cast Metal Relief Plate
Small cast metal relief with woman at work motif · Meiji period (c. late 19th – early 20th century).
This antique Japanese metal plate was sourced in Japan and selected for its craftsmanship, history, and quiet presence.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
This small cast metal object presents a finely modeled scene of a woman engaged in daily work, likely using a traditional grinding mill. The composition is both intimate and expressive, capturing a quiet moment of everyday life with remarkable presence despite its modest scale.
More than a utilitarian object, this piece reads as a sculptural relief. The figure, tools, and surrounding forms emerge gently from the surface, extending slightly beyond the rim and even onto the underside, creating a continuous composition that reinforces the object’s sculptural character.
The material — likely a tin-based alloy — has developed a soft, aged patina over time, enhancing the relief and giving the piece a calm, understated presence. Its slightly irregular edges and surface variations suggest a hand-cast origin, reinforcing its connection to traditional craftsmanship.
CULTURAL NOTE
During the Meiji period, objects reflecting everyday life and humble materials were widely produced, often bridging the boundary between utility and artistic expression.
Scenes of domestic activity, such as the one depicted here, embody a sensitivity to ordinary gestures and the quiet beauty found in daily routines — an approach that would later be associated with the spirit of mingei.
DELIVERY
Delivery is included in the prices shown for Europe, the United States and Japan. For other destinations, please contact us for a delivered price.
Secure, reinforced packaging with tracking.
Note: Import duties or taxes may apply depending on the regulations of the destination country. For items over 100 years old, reduced import duties or taxes may apply in some countries. On request, we can provide a certificate stating the item’s estimated age to assist with customs clearance.
DETAILS & PRICE
SKU: A167
Price:
Europe: €250 — delivery to Europe included
United States: US$290 — delivery to the USA included
Japan: ¥25,000 — delivery within Japan included
Material: Likely tin-based alloy
Period: Meiji era (c. 1868–1912)
Origin: Japan
Features:
Cast metal relief plate · motif extending beyond the rim and underside · intimate folk scene · soft aged patina · sculptural form
Dimensions: W 13 × D 9 × H 1.5 cm (5.1 × 3.5 × 0.6 in)
Condition:
Good antique condition · natural wear and patina consistent with age · casting irregularities and surface marks typical of its manufacture
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