Cast Bronze Ewer with Camel Motif - Bronze - Daiyu Nishi / 西大由 (1923–2013) & Ikuo Hirayama / 平山郁夫 (1930–2009) - Japan - Heisei period (1989-present)

A silvered bronze ewer bearing a relief medallion of camels, created by master metalsmith Nishi Daiyu from an original design by Ikuo Hirayama.

Description:
This cast bronze ewer presents a graceful pear-shaped body rising to a slender neck with a softly flared rim. A curved handle extends elegantly from the shoulder, completing the vessel’s harmonious silhouette. Its surface is finished in a lustrous silver-gray patina whose subtle texture shifts beautifully under changing light.

On the front of the body, an applied oval relief medallion depicts a traveler leading a camel—an image deeply associated with the Silk Road. The scene is rendered with remarkable detail, enclosed within a raised circular border. Within this relief appears the hand-carved seal of master painter Ikuo Hirayama, who created the original design for this work. His distinctive carved mark lends further authenticity and conveys the artistic lineage linked to his celebrated Silk Road themes.

The reverse side bears a stylized plant motif, also cast in relief, providing visual balance to the narrative scene.
The base carries an engraved circular mark with the characters 「大由」 (Daiyu), identifying the distinguished bronze artist Nishi Daiyu, who executed the casting based on Hirayama’s original artwork.

The accompanying tomobako (wooden storage box) is inscribed in black ink with:
“平山郁夫 原画 / 西大由 作 / 鋳銅 駱駝文瓶”
(Original design by Ikuo Hirayama, created by Nishi Daiyu, cast bronze ewer with camel motif.)
In addition, the lid bears a further inscription reading “講談社創業八十周年記念” (Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Founding of Kodansha), indicating that this piece was produced in connection with a significant commemorative occasion.

This ewer stands as a rare collaboration between two celebrated Japanese artists—Hirayama’s iconic Silk Road imagery and Nishi Daiyu’s masterful bronze casting—brought together through refined craftsmanship and a distinguished cultural provenance.

This work is accompanied by its tomobako (original wooden storage box); however, please note that the box has sustained damage. Although I will take great care in packaging the item for shipment, given the substantial weight of the piece, there remains a possibility that the tomobako may incur additional damage in transit.
The tomobako serves primarily as an accessory that attests to the work’s provenance. Should you prefer not to receive the box, please inform me by message after completing your purchase and before dispatch, and I will arrange for its disposal.
If you have any specific preferences or requests, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dimensions:
Height: 24 cm
Width: 12.5 cm
Weight: 1600 g

Condition:
No chips, cracks or restorations.

Artist Profile:
Nishi Daiyu was born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1923. He entered Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1941, studying bronze casting under renowned masters including Takamura Toyochika (holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property), Maruyama Fubo, and Naito Haruji. In 1947, his work "Spring Incense Burner" was selected for the 3rd Nitten Exhibition.
After graduating in 1948, Nishi worked as a bronze casting technician before becoming an assistant at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1953. He received the Special Prize at the 11th Nitten for "Bronze Jar," the Kikuka Prize at the 4th Shin-Nitten for "Standing at Miluo," and the 6th Takamura Kotaro Prize. He later became a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and participated in founding the Japan New Crafts Federation in 1979. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1991.
Nishi Daiyu was celebrated as a "genius" for his ability to express lyrical worldviews through simple forms. His work combined traditional techniques with innovative color finishing methods. He also distinguished himself as a researcher, conducting studies on the history of Japanese metalwork, ancient casting techniques, and the casting and restoration of the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple.

Ikuo Hirayama (1930–2009) was a renowned Japanese painter who specialized in nihonga (Japanese-style painting). Born in Hiroshima Prefecture, he witnessed the atomic bombing as a teenager, an experience that profoundly influenced his later work. Hirayama graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1952 and became known for his paintings depicting the Silk Road, Buddhist themes, and cultural heritage sites. He served as President of Tokyo University of the Arts from 1995 to 2005 and was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Throughout his career, Hirayama received numerous honors including the Order of Culture and was designated as a Person of Cultural Merit in Japan.

Additional Notes
Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description.

Shipping Information
All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination.
Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping.
A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched.
We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts.

Import Duties & Taxes
Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding.

Customs Communication
Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties).
Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns.

Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.