Vase - Bronze - Japan - Incised Maker's Mark (No reserve price)

Item Description
This is a cast bronze (chūdō) flower vase produced in the Takaoka Dōki tradition, one of Japan's most respected metal-casting industries, centred in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. The vase carries an incised maker's mark on the underside identifying it as the work of sculptor Saegusa Sōtarō 三枝惣太郎 (1911-2006).

The vase has a classical baluster silhouette with a flared trumpet neck, tapering shoulder, and rounded ovoid body that narrows toward a flat foot. The surface displays a rich turquoise-blue patina with mottled copper and gold undertones, a decorative finish characteristic of high-quality Takaoka cast metalwork. The signature seal is stamped into the recessed base, confirming attribution.

This is a single-stem (ikebana-style) vase, well suited for both traditional Japanese interiors and contemporary display settings.

Artist Profile
Saegusa Sōtarō (1911-2006) was a Japanese sculptor born on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture. He graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1935 and went on to exhibit regularly at Nitten, the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. His achievements include the Chūnichi Prize at the Nitten Nagoya Exhibition and the Kōju Hōshō (Medal with Blue Ribbon); he later became a Nitten Kaiyū (exhibition associate member) and held memberships in the Japan Artists' Association, the Japan Sculptors' Society, Shin-Kōzōsha, and the Tōkai Sculptors' Association, in addition to serving as Honorary Professor at Nagoya University of the Arts. His semi-abstract sculptural style, often featuring animal motifs rooted in Japanese culture, extended into decorative metalwork produced for Takaoka Dōki, bridging fine art and traditional craft. His works are held in museum collections and appear as public monuments in several Japanese cities, and his pieces continue to trade on the international auction market.

Size
Height: 23 cm
Width: 10.5 cm
Depth: 10.5 cm

Weight
743 g

Condition
This is a long-kept piece showing natural age-related changes typical of cast metal, including light surface wear and minor abrasions consistent with the patina finish. No major dents, cracks, or losses are visible; please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of the surface condition.

Additional Information
Origin: Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
Craft tradition: Takaoka Dōki cast bronze (chūdō)
Maker's mark incised on the base

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.

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