This elegant bronze flower vase is a fine example of Takaoka Doki (高岡銅器), the celebrated metalwork tradition originating from Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture, which has been recognised as a designated traditional craft of Japan for over four centuries. Signed by the maker 鳳山 Houzan, this slender crane-neck vessel exemplifies the refined aesthetic that has made Takaoka bronze work internationally renowned. The vase presents a gracefully elongated flask form with a narrow throat, inspired by the elegant line of a crane's neck — a silhouette deeply rooted in Japanese artistic tradition. The surface is finished in a rich, shifting marble pattern ranging from deep red to soft grey, overlaid across the entire body with delicate gold gilding (kin-sai). This combination creates a surface that changes character depending on the angle of light and the viewer's perspective, moving from warm amber and orange tones to cooler silvered hues, lending the piece a quietly dynamic visual presence. The weight of 452 grams attests to the substantial quality of the casting. Takaoka Doki has its origins in the early Edo period, when the lord of the Takaoka domain invited master craftsmen to develop local industry. Today, Takaoka accounts for the vast majority of Japan's Buddhist metalwork and decorative bronze production. Pieces made in this tradition are prized for their technical precision, richness of patination, and the depth of artistic expression achievable through metal casting and surface treatment. Houzan's crane-neck design is equally suited to holding a single flower arrangement — bringing the vase to life in a traditional ikebana setting — or to standing alone as a sculptural interior object, where its quiet beauty brings a composed and refined atmosphere to any space, whether a tokonoma alcove, entrance hall, or contemporary interior. Size Height: 23 cm Width: 9 cm Depth: 9 cm Weight: 452 g Condition The vase is in good overall condition with no prominent scratches or soiling visible. As a long-stored piece, very minor surface marks not fully captured in photographs may be present. Artist Profile Houzan is a maker associated with the Takaoka Doki tradition of Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Working within this distinguished lineage of Japanese bronze craftsmanship, Houzan produces decorative and functional metalwork characterised by refined casting technique and sophisticated patination. The artist's signature appears on this work, affirming its handcrafted authenticity within the Takaoka workshop tradition. NOTICE: 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.