Vase - Copper - Japan (No reserve price)





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Copper vase from Japan, dating to the 1950s, by 吉秀, with a width and depth of 12.5 cm and a height of 23.5 cm, weighing 2000 g, in good condition.
Description from the seller
Description:
This bronze vase boasts a unique and sculptural form, with a soaring, flared neck, rounded shoulders, and a compact base. Elegant ring handles extend from the animal-face-shaped base on either side of the vase, lending it a distinctly classical Chinese charm.
The vase's surface displays a rich iridescent sheen, with green, olive, bronze, and amber hues interwoven to create a dazzling, peacock-like brilliance. The shoulders are adorned with dark relief patterns featuring exquisite scrollwork and stylized qilin motifs, contrasting sharply with the smooth upper and lower sections of the vase, adding texture and decorative appeal.
In conclusion, this is a highly decorative bronze vase, exuding a rich classical atmosphere, blending exquisite metalwork, vibrant colors, and a classical revival design style. It can be appreciated as a standalone work of art or as part of a collection of Asian art or metalwork, showcasing its unique charm.
Artist:
Keiten Takahashi 高橋敬典 (1920–2009) was a Japanese metal artist best known as a master maker of tea ceremony kettles. Born in Domachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, his real name was Takaji Takahashi. In 1996, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for “tea ceremony kettles,” making him a Living National Treasure.
He succeeded the family business, Yamasho Foundry, in 1938, and later studied under Nagano Tetsushi in 1950. In 1951, his work Wazura Hiramaru Kama with Waterweed Design was accepted for the first time into the Nitten exhibition. He went on to receive major recognition, including an Encouragement Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 1963 for Satetsu Matsumon Nadekata-gama, and the NHK Chairman’s Award at the same exhibition in 1976 for Koshikiguchi-gama.
He also presented kettles to Emperor Showa in 1961 and to Crown Prince Akihito in 1979, further establishing his reputation as one of the leading tea kettle makers of his time. In addition, he served in important roles such as counselor to the Japan Kogei Association and contributed to the development of Yamagata cast metalwork and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
His work is appreciated for combining the practicality and dignity required in the tea ceremony with refined form and beautifully controlled iron surfaces. He is regarded as an artist who embodied the highest level of traditional tea kettle craftsmanship in modern Japan.
NOTICE
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post depends on the situation.
It takes about 3~4 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.
Appreciate your cooperation.
Description:
This bronze vase boasts a unique and sculptural form, with a soaring, flared neck, rounded shoulders, and a compact base. Elegant ring handles extend from the animal-face-shaped base on either side of the vase, lending it a distinctly classical Chinese charm.
The vase's surface displays a rich iridescent sheen, with green, olive, bronze, and amber hues interwoven to create a dazzling, peacock-like brilliance. The shoulders are adorned with dark relief patterns featuring exquisite scrollwork and stylized qilin motifs, contrasting sharply with the smooth upper and lower sections of the vase, adding texture and decorative appeal.
In conclusion, this is a highly decorative bronze vase, exuding a rich classical atmosphere, blending exquisite metalwork, vibrant colors, and a classical revival design style. It can be appreciated as a standalone work of art or as part of a collection of Asian art or metalwork, showcasing its unique charm.
Artist:
Keiten Takahashi 高橋敬典 (1920–2009) was a Japanese metal artist best known as a master maker of tea ceremony kettles. Born in Domachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, his real name was Takaji Takahashi. In 1996, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for “tea ceremony kettles,” making him a Living National Treasure.
He succeeded the family business, Yamasho Foundry, in 1938, and later studied under Nagano Tetsushi in 1950. In 1951, his work Wazura Hiramaru Kama with Waterweed Design was accepted for the first time into the Nitten exhibition. He went on to receive major recognition, including an Encouragement Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 1963 for Satetsu Matsumon Nadekata-gama, and the NHK Chairman’s Award at the same exhibition in 1976 for Koshikiguchi-gama.
He also presented kettles to Emperor Showa in 1961 and to Crown Prince Akihito in 1979, further establishing his reputation as one of the leading tea kettle makers of his time. In addition, he served in important roles such as counselor to the Japan Kogei Association and contributed to the development of Yamagata cast metalwork and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
His work is appreciated for combining the practicality and dignity required in the tea ceremony with refined form and beautifully controlled iron surfaces. He is regarded as an artist who embodied the highest level of traditional tea kettle craftsmanship in modern Japan.
NOTICE
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post depends on the situation.
It takes about 3~4 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.
Appreciate your cooperation.

