Item Description: 南部三巌堂 Nanbu Sangang-do This magnificent cast metal flower vase bears the mark of Nanbu Sangang-do (南部三巌堂), a distinguished metalcasting workshop of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, working within the celebrated tradition of Nanbu decorative metalwork. The vase presents a bold ovoid form with a narrow collar opening, crafted from a special copper alloy (tokushu gokin). The upper shoulder is richly adorned with high-relief castings of a phoenix (hōō), peacock (kujaku), and dragon (ryū) — among the most auspicious motifs in Japanese decorative arts, symbolising nobility, immortality, and divine power. The body displays a striking two-tone surface treatment: the upper register carries an iridescent dark bronze patina with metallic highlights, while the lower body features a textured matte grey-black finish reminiscent of aged stone, the two zones divided by a refined horizontal ridge around the waist. The vase is accompanied by its original paulownia (kiri) wood storage box, the lid of which bears an important handwritten inscription confirming its provenance as an official commemorative gift from Nakamura Tadashi (中村直, 1912–1996), Governor of Iwate Prefecture, presented on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Local Government Act and the 100th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Municipal System. This dates the piece to approximately 1947 (Showa 22), the early post-war period. This vase stands as an exceptional example of Nanbu cast-metalwork craftsmanship, combining the gravitas of a high-level ceremonial presentation piece with the visual dynamism of mythological relief work. A rare collector's item with fully documented official provenance. Size Height: 26 cm Width: 18 cm Depth: 18 cm Weight: 3,950 g Condition In very good to excellent condition consistent with careful long-term storage; the vase retains its original patina throughout with only minor surface dust, and the paulownia wood storage box shows slight age-related discolouration but remains structurally intact with no damage. Artist Profile 南部三巌堂 Nanbu Sangang-do（Morioka, Iwate Prefecture） Nanbu Sangang-do (南部三巌堂) is a distinguished traditional metalcasting workshop of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, operating within the celebrated Nanbu casting tradition. The foundries of Morioka trace their origins to the early Edo period, when the lords of the Nanbu domain invited master casters and釜師 (tea-kettle craftsmen) to produce ceremonial vessels and tea utensils for the domain. Over four centuries, the Morioka casting tradition developed a reputation for refined artistic metalwork — tea kettles, flower vases, and presentation pieces of exceptional technical and aesthetic quality — destined both for domestic appreciation and as prestigious gifts at the highest levels of Japanese society. Nanbu Sangang-do produced iron and copper-alloy works including flower vases of the kind represented here, characterised by richly textured surfaces, auspicious relief motifs, and deeply atmospheric patination. NOTICE: 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.