Vase - Bronze - Japan - Golden Phoenix

Item Description
A striking bronze vase from Takaoka, Japan, cast by the second-generation master Yamamoto Hōzan.
The vase takes the form of a naturalistic rock or weathered tree-stump silhouette, with a dramatically forked, double-spouted opening at the top.

A soaring hō-ō (phoenix) is rendered in gilt relief across the front, its long tail feathers sweeping upward in five graceful curves, its head turned back toward its body.

Below the phoenix, sprays of gilt paulownia (kiri) leaves and blossoms decorate the lower body.
The reverse is left as textured, richly patinated bronze, allowing the rock-like surface to stand on its own as a quiet counterpoint to the gilt decoration on the front.

This technique of applying gilt bronze appliqué over a dark, textured patinated ground is a hallmark of Takaoka dōki (Takaoka bronze ware), the roughly 400-year-old metalworking tradition of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture.

The piece is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako), the lid inscribed in ink 鋳銅 花瓶 鳳山造 ("cast bronze vase, made by Hōzan") together with the artist's seal.

A printed biography card is also included, giving a short history of both the first-generation and second-generation Yamamoto Hōzan.

A striking centerpiece vase for collectors of Japanese metalwork, or anyone drawn to the sculptural,
asymmetric forms characteristic of mid-to-late Shōwa period Takaoka bronze work.

Size
Height: 22 cm
Width: 12.6 cm
Depth: 5.8 cm

Weight : 1672 g

Condition
Excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or repairs.
The faint vertical line visible on the body is an inherent mold seam from the casting process, not a defect.
The gilt phoenix and paulownia decoration retain strong, even color, and the dark patinated surface is intact throughout.

Artist Profile
山本鳳山 Yamamoto Hōzan (2nd generation) (b. 1902)
The Yamamoto Hōzan workshop is a Takaoka bronze foundry founded in September 1908 by the first-generation Hōzan (b. 1878), who devoted himself to advancing the casting and finishing techniques of Takaoka dōki and to training the next generation of craftsmen.
On 10 November 1975, his successor formally took the name Yamamoto Hōzan II and was recognized by Japan's Minister of International Trade and Industry as a meritorious contributor to the traditional craft industry, a distinction he held throughout his career.
This vase bears the mark of the second-generation Hōzan and comes with its original tomobako storage box and a printed biography of both generations, providing clear documentation of authorship and workshop history.

NOTICE
The photos may show flowers, plants, pedestals, etc. as examples of decorations and interior design for illustrative purposes, but please note that these are not included in the product.
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL, FedEx or Japan Post depending on the situation.
Please note that we may use recycled cardboard boxes for outer packaging.
It takes about 2–3 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.

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