Item Description This is a fine bronze vase crafted by 阿部芳久 Abe Yoshihisa, a metalworker associated with the Sado school of metalwork (Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture), an area long celebrated for its tradition of fine copper and bronze casting. The vase is worked in a mottled purple-bronze alloy known as hanshido, prized for its rich variegated patina that shifts between deep brown, red, and violet tones across the surface. The form takes the shape of a bamboo culm or bamboo shoot (take-fushi), with a raised joint band encircling the lower third of the body and a small cast bamboo-branch motif applied at the seam. The mouth is gently flared, tapering down to a narrower waisted foot. The base bears an impressed seal mark, visible in the photographs, consistent with the artist's signature stamp. This piece would suit a collector of Japanese metalwork or a decorative accent in a refined interior setting. Size Height: 21 cm Width: 9 cm Depth: 9.5 cm Weight 862 g Condition The vase presents in good condition overall, with no notable dents or losses. Light surface wear and natural variation in the patina are consistent with age and handling; the mottled coloration itself is inherent to the hanshido alloy rather than damage. Artist Profile Abe Yoshihisa is a metalworker based on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, a region with a long-established tradition of copper and bronze casting dating back to the Edo period. Metalworkers of Sado are particularly noted for their mastery of hanshido, the mottled purple-bronze alloy in which the characteristic variation between brown, red, and violet tones is achieved through the casting and patination process itself rather than through applied decoration. Abe's work is recognized within this regional tradition for vases and decorative objects that showcase the distinctive character of the alloy. Additional Information Artist: Abe Yoshihisa (阿部芳久), Sado metalwork tradition Origin: Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Material: Hanshido (mottled purple-bronze alloy) Marks: Impressed seal mark to the base NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 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. 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. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.