Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This charming decorative dish features a whimsical, stylized cast bronze rabbit standing at the stern of a rowboat, holding an oar. The interior and exterior of the boat are finished with a rich, verdigris-style green patina that beautifully contrasts with the dark, textured bronze of the rabbit figure.
Story
Whimsical animal figures in human roles have delighted collectors since the Victorian era. This little hare, paddling his own canoe, carries on a long-standing folklore tradition of the clever trickster navigating the waters of life.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece is crafted in the style of mid-to-late 20th-century studio bronze giftware. Many high-quality decorative bronze foundries in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States produced these narrative, animal-themed desk accessories and catchalls during the 1970s through the 1990s.
Condition & Value
The piece is in very good vintage condition with minor wear to the dark patina on the rabbit's ears and the tip of the oar. The felt pads on the bottom are intact and protect surfaces from scratching. Excellent preservation of the green verdigris finish.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.