The dark patina looks like bronze but could be an applied finish, most of the newer repros look like brass or a copper covered pot-metal.
The chalky patina looks old, because it is heavier on the bottom and lighter toward the top as if it was acquired from sitting in water, what we would expect to see. (painted on patinas, or faux patina tends to be even all over). DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT IN ANY WAY WHAT SO EVER. not even to wipe away flaky dust.
Antique Japanese metal Ikebana Carp Flower Frog Koi Fish.
If it is not a reproduction, it should fetch a pretty penny, I would imagine.
A repro sold May 1 for $61.85
The second one down on this collectors page
Metal Flower Frogs - Page 3
The author describes as aluminum with metallic finish
The missing inserts don't matter too much. I mean, the Consummate collector would want them, but it is still a desirable item for someone who uses antique ikebana pots. I was unable to find any like it, or any that were not repros. It's the kind of thing I would expect to see at 1stdibs. The flower arranger would simply use modern pin frogs. Now is a good time to list as many peoples gardens are still in bloom.
Measure the bottom of the holes and write in your description something like:
Will work with 4 Kenzan (pin frogs, flower frogs), 1 @ 2.5", 2 @ 2" and 1 @ 1.5".
Or what ever the hole sizes turn out to be.
other key words for description:
flower holder, metal,
Bronze? (it would be heavy)
Aluminum with bronze color patina (lighter weight)
you may want to list in
Antiques > Architectural & Garden > Garden
Antiques > Asian Antiques > Japan > Vases
Home & Garden > Fresh Cut Flowers & Supplies > Cut Flower Arranging Supplies
