Vase - Bronze - Japan (No reserve price)
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Bronze flower vase designed by Matsuzaki Fukusaburō and made by Shōwadō in an apple-shaped form with a silver-gray nashiji finish, 17 cm wide by 16 cm high, weight 1.2 kg, including the original signed wooden box and explanatory leaflet.
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Description from the seller
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō Design – Bronze Flower Vase by Shōwadō – Apple-Shaped Form – Original Signed Wooden Box & Original Leaflet
Product Overview
An elegant bronze flower vase designed by Matsuzaki Fukusaburō and produced by Shōwadō, complete with its original signed wooden box and original explanatory leaflet.
The vase features a graceful apple-shaped (henko) form with a slender cylindrical neck and a refined silver-gray bronze surface finished in a delicate crystalline nashiji (pear-skin) texture. Combining modern Japanese design with exceptional bronze casting craftsmanship, this work is both a functional flower vase and a fine example of twentieth-century Japanese metal art.
Product Details
This bronze flower vase was produced by Shōwadō from an original design by Matsuzaki Fukusaburō, one of Japan's leading industrial designers and metalwork artists of the Shōwa period.
The rounded body, reminiscent of an apple or flattened flask, is harmoniously balanced with a narrow cylindrical neck, creating a refined and timeless silhouette.
Its most distinctive feature is the finely textured nashiji surface, formed by countless irregular crystalline speckles across the bronze. The subtle silver-toned metallic sheen changes beautifully under different lighting conditions, highlighting the depth and elegance of the finish.
During the Shōwa period, bronze flower vases of this quality were widely selected as commemorative gifts, official presentation pieces, and corporate awards, reflecting the prestige of Japanese bronze craftsmanship.
The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden box and original explanatory leaflet, further enhancing its authenticity and collector appeal.
Product Specifications
Designer:
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō
Maker:
Shōwadō
Title:
Bronze Flower Vase
Type:
Flower Vase
Material:
Bronze
Technique:
Cast bronze with nashiji (pear-skin) textured finish
Dimensions:
Width: 17.0 cm (6.7 in)
Height: 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
Weight:
1.2 kg (2.6 lb)
Original Box:
Included (Original Signed Wooden Box / Tomobako)
Original Leaflet:
Included
Condition:
Pre-owned vintage condition. The vase is well preserved with only minor signs of age and storage. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
About the Designer
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō (born October 18, 1901, Tokyo) was one of Japan's leading industrial designers and metalwork artists.
After graduating from the Department of Industrial Design at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1926 and completing its postgraduate course in 1928, he joined the Craft Guidance Institute of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In 1936, he traveled throughout Europe to study traditional and modern industrial crafts.
In 1949, he was appointed Director of the Craft Guidance Institute under the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), where he played a significant role in the development of Japanese industrial design and craft education.
Matsuzaki was also highly active in the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). His bronze flower vase received the Special Prize at the 6th Nitten Exhibition in 1950. He subsequently exhibited without screening, became an invited exhibitor, served as a Nitten juror, and in 1958 became a full member of Nitten.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Japanese industrial design and metal craftsmanship, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class in 1973.
His bronze designs are admired for their harmonious proportions, refined elegance, and seamless balance between artistic beauty and practical function.
Background of the Product
Japanese bronze flower vases have long been appreciated for combining sculptural beauty with practical use. During the Shōwa period, finely crafted bronze vases such as this example were widely commissioned as commemorative gifts, presentation pieces, and official awards.
The elegant proportions, sophisticated bronze casting, and distinctive nashiji finish exemplify the high standards of Japanese metal craftsmanship and the modern design aesthetics promoted during the twentieth century.
All photos were taken by the seller. They also show the actual product to be delivered.
Shipping
Shipped by FedEx or EMS with tracking number and compensation. Unless there are some irregularities such as bad weather or traffic problems, delivery can be made in about one week from the time of payment.
International Buyers - Please Note
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up—do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such behavior.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Earst Japan.
Based in Japan and trusted by collectors worldwide through more than 280 successful Catawiki sales, we specialize in Japanese art, antiques, traditional craftsmanship, collectible knives, and carefully selected cultural treasures.
Every item is sourced directly in Japan through our trusted local network and carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and collector value before being offered to collectors worldwide. We evaluate authenticity, condition, provenance when available, and collector significance to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.
We believe exceptional objects are more than possessions. They carry history, artistry, tradition, and the stories of the people who created, preserved, and cherished them across generations.
From fine artworks and antique objects to handcrafted Japanese knives and cultural artifacts, we focus on pieces that represent authentic craftsmanship, cultural significance, and lasting value.
Our goal is to connect meaningful pieces of Japanese history and craftsmanship with their next custodian, ensuring that their stories continue to be appreciated for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Earst Japan. We look forward to sharing the beauty, heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of Japan with collectors around the world.
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō Design – Bronze Flower Vase by Shōwadō – Apple-Shaped Form – Original Signed Wooden Box & Original Leaflet
Product Overview
An elegant bronze flower vase designed by Matsuzaki Fukusaburō and produced by Shōwadō, complete with its original signed wooden box and original explanatory leaflet.
The vase features a graceful apple-shaped (henko) form with a slender cylindrical neck and a refined silver-gray bronze surface finished in a delicate crystalline nashiji (pear-skin) texture. Combining modern Japanese design with exceptional bronze casting craftsmanship, this work is both a functional flower vase and a fine example of twentieth-century Japanese metal art.
Product Details
This bronze flower vase was produced by Shōwadō from an original design by Matsuzaki Fukusaburō, one of Japan's leading industrial designers and metalwork artists of the Shōwa period.
The rounded body, reminiscent of an apple or flattened flask, is harmoniously balanced with a narrow cylindrical neck, creating a refined and timeless silhouette.
Its most distinctive feature is the finely textured nashiji surface, formed by countless irregular crystalline speckles across the bronze. The subtle silver-toned metallic sheen changes beautifully under different lighting conditions, highlighting the depth and elegance of the finish.
During the Shōwa period, bronze flower vases of this quality were widely selected as commemorative gifts, official presentation pieces, and corporate awards, reflecting the prestige of Japanese bronze craftsmanship.
The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden box and original explanatory leaflet, further enhancing its authenticity and collector appeal.
Product Specifications
Designer:
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō
Maker:
Shōwadō
Title:
Bronze Flower Vase
Type:
Flower Vase
Material:
Bronze
Technique:
Cast bronze with nashiji (pear-skin) textured finish
Dimensions:
Width: 17.0 cm (6.7 in)
Height: 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
Weight:
1.2 kg (2.6 lb)
Original Box:
Included (Original Signed Wooden Box / Tomobako)
Original Leaflet:
Included
Condition:
Pre-owned vintage condition. The vase is well preserved with only minor signs of age and storage. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
About the Designer
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō (born October 18, 1901, Tokyo) was one of Japan's leading industrial designers and metalwork artists.
After graduating from the Department of Industrial Design at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1926 and completing its postgraduate course in 1928, he joined the Craft Guidance Institute of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In 1936, he traveled throughout Europe to study traditional and modern industrial crafts.
In 1949, he was appointed Director of the Craft Guidance Institute under the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), where he played a significant role in the development of Japanese industrial design and craft education.
Matsuzaki was also highly active in the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). His bronze flower vase received the Special Prize at the 6th Nitten Exhibition in 1950. He subsequently exhibited without screening, became an invited exhibitor, served as a Nitten juror, and in 1958 became a full member of Nitten.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Japanese industrial design and metal craftsmanship, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class in 1973.
His bronze designs are admired for their harmonious proportions, refined elegance, and seamless balance between artistic beauty and practical function.
Background of the Product
Japanese bronze flower vases have long been appreciated for combining sculptural beauty with practical use. During the Shōwa period, finely crafted bronze vases such as this example were widely commissioned as commemorative gifts, presentation pieces, and official awards.
The elegant proportions, sophisticated bronze casting, and distinctive nashiji finish exemplify the high standards of Japanese metal craftsmanship and the modern design aesthetics promoted during the twentieth century.
All photos were taken by the seller. They also show the actual product to be delivered.
Shipping
Shipped by FedEx or EMS with tracking number and compensation. Unless there are some irregularities such as bad weather or traffic problems, delivery can be made in about one week from the time of payment.
International Buyers - Please Note
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up—do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such behavior.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Earst Japan.
Based in Japan and trusted by collectors worldwide through more than 280 successful Catawiki sales, we specialize in Japanese art, antiques, traditional craftsmanship, collectible knives, and carefully selected cultural treasures.
Every item is sourced directly in Japan through our trusted local network and carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and collector value before being offered to collectors worldwide. We evaluate authenticity, condition, provenance when available, and collector significance to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.
We believe exceptional objects are more than possessions. They carry history, artistry, tradition, and the stories of the people who created, preserved, and cherished them across generations.
From fine artworks and antique objects to handcrafted Japanese knives and cultural artifacts, we focus on pieces that represent authentic craftsmanship, cultural significance, and lasting value.
Our goal is to connect meaningful pieces of Japanese history and craftsmanship with their next custodian, ensuring that their stories continue to be appreciated for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Earst Japan. We look forward to sharing the beauty, heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of Japan with collectors around the world.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
1.2 kg
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Bronze
Manufacturer/brand
Matsuzaki Fukusaburō Design – Bronze Flower Vase by Shōwadō
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
16 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
17 cm
Estimated period
1990-2000
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