Item Description: 高橋敬典 Takahashi Keiten（1920–2009） This elegant cast bronze vase (dō kabin) is a work by Takahashi Keiten, a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) renowned as one of the foremost metal craftsmen of modern Japan. The beautifully proportioned ovoid body swells to a broad shoulder before tapering gently to a compact, clean-rimmed opening — a refined form ideal for chabana (tea ceremony flower arrangement). The surface is finished in a deep warm brown patina with scattered mottled purple-bronze (hanshidō) markings — delicate crimson and rose-toned spots and streaks that emerge organically across the body through a carefully controlled oxidation process. This unpredictable natural effect ensures that no two pieces can ever look alike, making each work entirely unique. The maker's seal reading "敬典" (Keiten) is impressed into the base, confirming the work's authenticity. Understated yet deeply refined, this vase embodies the quiet elegance that defines Keiten's aesthetic — a balance of functional beauty and artistic mastery rooted in the centuries-old tradition of Yamagata casting. Size Height: 16 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 12 cm Weight: 922 g Condition The vase shows surface scratches, minor scuffs, and some discoloration consistent with age and use; no structural damage or repairs noted. Artist Profile Takahashi Keiten (1920–2009) was born in the Dōmachi district of Yamagata City, a historic center of Japanese metal casting, where his family operated a foundry. He inherited the family business and devoted himself to the art of cast metalwork, achieving mastery in the tradition of Yamagata casting (Yamagata chūki). He debuted at the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) in 1951 and went on to receive numerous prestigious awards, including the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Chairman's Prize. He also produced ceremonial tea kettles (chanoyu-gama) presented to members of the Imperial family on state visits. In 1992 he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, and in 1996 he was designated a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) for his mastery of the tea ceremony kettle (chanoyu-gama). He was also named an Honorary Citizen of Yamagata City in the same year. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the defining figures of modern Japanese metal craft. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.