Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Boldly decorated in predominantly gilt and enamels, the front of both vases depicting complementary scenes of Jinmu Tenno, first Emperor of Japan (traditional reign dates 660-585 BC), guided by a giant bird (two scenes), the reverse of both vases with two different scenes from the Genpei wars, one on the right illustrating the Hasso no tobi (Leap Over Eight Ships) showing Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189) leaping over eight ships at the Battle of Dannoura (1185), escaping an attack from Taira no Noritsune whilst Taira no Tokiko holding the child Emperor Antoku watches from the ship, the left from the Battle of Ichinotani (1184), showing Yoshitsune attacking the Taira clan at Ichinotani from the Hiyodori Pass, all four figurative scenes framed by a winged dragon, the shoulder with aoi-mon (three hollyhock leaves within a circular border), the insignia of the Tokugawa family and the neck with kiku-mon (chrysanthemum crests), both vases unsigned; with detachable five cabriole-legged wood stands. Each vase: 92cm (36¼in) high; each stand: 34cm (13 3/8in) high. (4).