Artists: Vase (casting): 般若勘渓 (Hannya Kankei) Chōkin (彫金) engraving: 佐野 宏行 (Hiroyuki Sano) Material: Cast metal (bronze or bronze alloy) with patinated finish Technique: Traditional Takaoka casting & chōkin (metal engraving) Origin: Japan – Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture Period: Showa period (20th century) Condition: Very good condition. No cracks, repairs, or structural damage observed. Patina consistent with age and traditional finishing. Included: Original wooden storage box (tomobako), original cord, and original artist biography leaflet. ⸻ This refined Japanese metal vase is a collaborative work created in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, one of Japan’s foremost centers of traditional metal craftsmanship. The piece reflects the long-established Takaoka practice of combining specialized skills—casting and surface decoration—to achieve a higher artistic result. The vessel itself was cast by Hannya Kankei (般若勘渓), a master bronze caster whose career is distinguished by both major exhibition awards and official commissions. He was first selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in Showa 44 (1969) and went on to receive numerous honors at the Japan Traditional Metalwork Exhibition, including the Japan Crafts Association Award and the Asahi Shimbun Company Award. His work was also awarded encouragement prizes on multiple occasions, reflecting sustained recognition rather than isolated success. Beyond exhibitions, Hannya’s expertise was trusted at the highest institutional level. He was commissioned to produce replicas of important cultural treasures, including a gilt bronze ritual staff (shakujō) associated with Zentsū-ji Temple, and historical metal tea kettles preserved at Daitoku-ji Temple. Most notably, he was entrusted by the Imperial Household Agency to recreate treasures from the Shōsō-in Repository, including the “Sahari Rika-ban” and the “Brass Gōshi”, underscoring his exceptional technical authority in traditional Japanese metal casting. The surface decoration was executed by Hiroyuki Sano (佐野 宏行), a chōkin (metal engraving) artist whose career is documented by repeated selections for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, beginning in Showa 42 (1967) and continuing consecutively thereafter. Sano also received awards at regional traditional craft exhibitions, confirming consistent evaluation of his engraving technique and artistic refinement. The collaborative nature of this work is further confirmed by the signatures: the chōkin (彫金) engraving artist Hiroyuki Sano (宏行) signed the side of the vase, while the caster Hannya Kankei (勘渓) placed his mark on the base. The collaborative nature of this work is further confirmed by the signatures: the chōkin engraving artist Hiroyuki Sano (宏行) signed the side of the vase, while the caster Hannya Kankei (勘渓) placed his mark on the base. This placement reflects the traditional division of roles in Takaoka metalwork, where each specialist acknowledges responsibility for their respective contribution. The engraved design depicts a bird in flight among flowering plants and grasses, rendered with precise incised lines that interact subtly with the softly mottled green patina of the cast surface. The decoration enhances the form without overwhelming it, achieving a harmonious balance between structure and ornament. The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and original biography leaflet, which together document both the collaborative nature of the work and the distinguished careers of the participating artists. A highly credible and well-documented example of mid-20th-century Japanese collaborative metalwork, appealing to collectors of Takaoka bronze, Showa-period decorative arts, and works by award-recognized masters involved in official cultural commissions. ⸻ Included: • Original wooden storage box (tomobako) with inscription • Original cord • Original artist biography leaflet ⸻ Dimensions • Height: approx. 28 cm • Body diameter: approx. 20 cm • Weight: Approx. 3.6 kg ⸻ Condition Very good overall condition. The vase shows natural signs of age and patination consistent with traditional Japanese metal finishing techniques. There are no cracks or structural damage. The surface patina is stable and visually attractive. The original wooden box shows light age-related wear. ⸻ Shipping • Carefully packed and shipped with tracking. • International shipping via Japan Post or Yamato Transport. • Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check your country’s customs regulations before bidding.