Here’s a rare, seldom found old hand cast bronze Japanese buddhist temple post or bridge post top -giboshi- that dates in the 19th century.

It is an architectural classic gem only the fine design eye of Japanese master craftsman can possibly conceive.

Of onion flower form, they can still be found ornamenting the post tops of amazing bridges in old Kyoto. Some giboshi there are signed and date to huddreds of years ago, during the old Edo period, 1603-1868.

Dimensions: 7.5 inches high and 3.5 inches diameter

A wonderful collectible. Fabulous form. Only one.

History:
Giboshi is a kind of Japanese bronze ornament used as bridge post caps on older bridges in Japan. They are crafted ornaments purposely made to resemble the bulbous flower of the onion. The top peak of giboshi are bulbous and pointed resembling the onion domes in Western culture. They are often found on older Japanese bridges such as the famous San Jo bridge in downtown Kyoto (see photo) , and now are viewed as classic antique ornaments in Japanese gardens, temples and shinto shrines.