Japanese (?) Water Diorama - How to Arrange?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by KikoBlueEyes, Jan 19, 2021.

  1. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    I think this miniature diorama is Japanese, but I'm not sure. I found a collection of tiny painted cast metal and ceramic pieces in a plastic bag, and some rocks in a cast metal tray that obviously was filled with water at one time. Some of the cast metal pieces are quite intricate like the metal cart with wheels that turn and a tiny whip in the driver's hand; two of the small metal boats have cloth sails and the tiny figures (1 inch high) have a lot of detail. The ceramic pieces are less detailed but nicely done. There is one resin piece - a small brown house. It looks like pieces were added over the years. The rocks are just standard river rocks. The tray is 12" long and 8" wide. I would like to arrange it in a display but don't know what it should look like. Can someone help?
    IMG_8786.jpg IMG_8785.jpg IMG_8781.jpg IMG_8784.jpg IMG_8780.jpg IMG_8779.jpg IMG_8775.jpg IMG_8774.jpg IMG_8788.jpg IMG_8789.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2021
    NewEngland and i need help like this.
  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  3. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

  4. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    as for placement............the only limit is the depths of your imagination ....
    :happy::happy::happy::happy::happy::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
  5. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    Well first I will have to get a Bonsai tree.
     
  6. wiscbirddog

    wiscbirddog Well-Known Member

    Sounds like a fun project Kiko but I'd have to have a fake Bonsai tree. Hope you have a greener thumb than I do. ;)
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
  7. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    :) I grow orchids, but they are easy. I see growing a bonsai like growing African violets - way too much work.
     
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  8. moreotherstuff

    moreotherstuff Izorizent

    Fill it with white sand and make yourself a Zen garden, then you can endlessly add and remove/rearrange bits and pieces as the mood strikes.
    [​IMG]

    You'll need one of those little rake thingies to furrow the sand.
     
  9. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    Great idea. I will search for a rake thingy.
     
  10. bercrystal

    bercrystal Well-Known Member

    I worked with a doctor whose hobby was Bonsai trees. He use to bring one in occasionally for us to marvel at for the day. They were absolutely intriguing especially the flowering shrubs. It was like Samantha twitched her nose & this huge flowering bush or tree shrunk down to one that was sometimes less than 12" tall. :jawdrop::jawdrop::wideyed::wideyed::wideyed:

    We will of course want to see the final product. :playful::playful::playful: :happy::happy::happy:
     
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  11. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    That's a wonderful story. It must have made the workplace very interesting. At one time, I looked into growing a bonsai. The more I learned, the more I realized that I didn't have the patience required. I admire those who follow this form, though. You're right about Samantha. It's a form of magic.
     
    bercrystal likes this.
  12. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    i was gifted this sweet little critter.........
    I have a semi green thumb......
    it didn't last long.....:bigtears:

    IMG_2327.JPG
     
  13. wiscbirddog

    wiscbirddog Well-Known Member

    How 'bout a silk one? Even I wouldn't be able to kill it! :hilarious:
     
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  14. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    Pretty little thing your tree. I murdered dozens of African violets in my day. :bag::bag::bag::bag::bag::bag:
     
  15. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    I'm contemplating. I have some ruby sand I got years ago from Jalama Beach (Southern California Coast). I might use that. I'm not sure they come in silk, but I think they come in stone.
     
  16. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    I'm studying on the metal tray. I keep seeing older Japanese pieces in metal mostly bronze. All the modern stuff comes in ceramic. While I think mine could be a reproduction of the older era, the modern metal ones are all modern looking.
     
  17. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    I didn't murder it..........more like...' PlantSlaughter ' ........:confused::confused::(:(
     
  18. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    :hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious:
     
    komokwa likes this.
  19. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    i
    it does have an aged look and no drain holes in the bottom...
     
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  20. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

    I keep looking. I found some with the stamped look of mine, which is quite heavy. The real older ones are forged.
     
    komokwa likes this.
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