Artist: 長谷川 美秀 (Hasegawa Bishū) Material: Cast metal (bronze or bronze alloy), patinated finish Origin: Japan – Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture Period: Showa period (20th century) Condition: Very good vintage condition. Minor surface variations and patina consistent with age and traditional finishing techniques. No cracks, repairs, or structural damage observed. The original presentation box shows visible wear due to age and storage. ⸻ This refined metal vase was produced in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, one of Japan’s most important centers of traditional metal casting. The work is attributed to Hasegawa Bishū, a metal artist working within the Takaoka copperware tradition during the Showa period. The vase features a slender, vertically oriented form with a gentle constriction at the center, creating a balanced and sculptural silhouette. Its surface is finished in a deep blue-toned patina, subtly shifting in tone depending on the light—an effect characteristic of traditional patination techniques used in Japanese metalwork. A delicately rendered butterfly motif decorates the upper body. Executed with fine, controlled linework, the motif stands out quietly against the dark ground without overpowering the overall form. In Japanese aesthetics, butterflies are often associated with transformation and grace, lending the piece a subtle symbolic presence. The base bears the incised signature 「美秀」(Bishū), confirming the artist’s authorship. The vase is accompanied by its original presentation box and a paper certificate, which references traditional Takaoka casting methods such as lost-wax casting (rōgata chūzō) and refined metal finishing techniques. Overall, this piece exemplifies the restrained elegance and technical refinement characteristic of mid-20th-century Japanese metal craft, combining sculptural form with understated decoration. ⸻ Included • Vase • Original presentation box • Paper certificate / leaflet ⸻ Dimensions Height: approx. 20 cm Width: approx. 5.5 cm Mouth diameter: approx. 5.5 cm Base diameter: approx. 5.5 cm Weight: approx. 0.4 kg ⸻ Shipping • Carefully packed and shipped with tracking. • International shipping via Yamato Transport or Japan Post. •Import duties, taxes, VAT and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check your country’s customs regulations before bidding.