Pair of Japanese Large Bronze Vases with Turtles and Cranes

Early Meiji period (1868-1912) bronze vases, incised, detailed designs on each vase. One vase is decorated with a family of cranes at a rocky water’s edge, with flowers and an old pine tree. The other vase depicts turtles at a rocky water’s edge with bamboo, along with turtles swimming in a gentle current. Both vases have floral designs on the base and the neck. With a chrysanthemum on the base and paulownia leaves at the top, which could be a tribute to both the imperial family and Japan. Signature on the bottom reads: Gyoku Sendo. Sold as a pair- each come with their own storage box, and insert for flower arranging: 19 3/4″ height x 5 3/4″ diameter.