Antique set of two Japanese flower vase known as an usubata, used in the art of ikebana or flower arranging, made from mixed metals. They both have square tops with a swirling wind design blowing silver and gold leaves about, oriental designs along the top rim, and beautiful flower designs along the outer rim. The left and right sides of the usubatas' bodies have very detailed dragons with lashing tongues and finned wings. The fronts and backs show different forms with gold overlay accents, including a laughing man beating drums, a performer wearing the mask of a lion, a surprised woman in a kimono kneeling, and a very elegant noblewoman with an extravagant headdress. Around the base of either usubata are coiled dragons with gold overlay. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size of each: 13" high x 9 1/4" wide x 9 1/4" deep.