An antique Japanese large bronze shrine vase cast in a loss wax technique. Depicting waves of a rough ocean with sea spray floating in the air, the female turtle carries a hatchling on its back while facing downward with its mouth open to expel evil spirits. The male turtle is jumping above the waves with its mouth closed to retain the good spirits. All three turtles have their wisps of sea algae growing from their shells as a symbol of the parents old age and the hatchling's life beginning.

The sea turtle is considered one of the lucky symbols in the Japanese culture. They represent 10,000 years of long life and they along with the crane (1,000 years) symbolize longevity both in one's life and one's family legacy.

Age: Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12 1/2" High by 10 1/4" Diameter