Japanese Gold Leaf Craft Vase – “Hakusan Hanase – Tsuta” An elegant vintage Japanese decorative flower vase featuring a luxurious gold-leaf surface and a graceful climbing ivy (tsuta) motif. The original box is labelled “金箔工芸品” (Gold Leaf Craftwork), while another label identifies the piece as “白山花生 つた” (Hakusan Hanase – Tsuta). A comparable example of the same “Hakusan Hanase” model has also been documented with the specification “Tsuta – Western-style gold leaf” (洋金箔), with dimensions of approximately 25 cm in height and 7 × 7 cm. The tall, slender rectangular form is covered with a richly textured golden surface that subtly changes its appearance according to the angle and lighting. The front is decorated with an elegant trailing ivy design in brown and dark tones, with delicate fine-line details. The restrained botanical decoration contrasts beautifully with the luminous gold background and creates a refined Japanese aesthetic. A red seal-style mark is visible near the lower part of the decoration. The precise maker or artist has not been conclusively identified. Ishikawa Prefecture has a long tradition of combining Kanazawa gold-leaf craftsmanship with lacquer and maki-e decoration, and comparable decorative objects were produced by various skilled workshops and artists in the region during the late 20th century. For accuracy, this vase is therefore not attributed to a specific artist or workshop without further documentary evidence. KANAZAWA GOLD LEAF & ISHIKAWA CRAFT TRADITION Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is internationally renowned for its gold-leaf craftsmanship. Gold leaf has long played an important role in Japanese decorative arts, and Ishikawa developed a particularly rich craft culture in which gold and silver leaf were combined with lacquerware, maki-e and other decorative techniques. During the late 20th century, traditional craftsmanship was also adapted to decorative objects intended for contemporary Japanese interiors. This vase is an attractive example of that aesthetic: the luxurious golden surface is balanced by a restrained natural motif and a simple architectural form. TSUTA – CLIMBING IVY DESIGN The decorative motif represents “Tsuta” (蔦), meaning climbing ivy. The vine flows vertically across the front of the vase, with groups of leaves arranged along its slender stem. The vertical composition complements the tall rectangular shape particularly well. The combination of gold, brown and dark-toned leaves gives the piece an elegant appearance without being excessively ornate. Its minimalist proportions also make it particularly suitable for contemporary interiors, including Japanese, Japandi, Scandinavian and modern European settings. MATERIAL & TECHNIQUE The piece appears to have been produced using a wood, wood-based or resin-type body with a lacquer-like dark base and decorative gold-leaf treatment. The ivy motif has the appearance of lacquer / maki-e-style decoration. A comparable “Hakusan Hanase – Tsuta” example has been described as using “Western-style gold leaf” (洋金箔). Because the exact substrate, gold-leaf composition and production method cannot be conclusively established through visual inspection alone, no unsupported claim regarding a specific traditional lacquer technique is made. DETAILS Item: Japanese decorative flower vase / Hanase Model / Design name: Hakusan Hanase – Tsuta (白山花生 つた) Origin: Japan Craft tradition: Japanese gold-leaf decorative craft Region associated with this type of craft: Ishikawa / Kanazawa Estimated period: circa 1980s–2000 Design: Climbing ivy / Tsuta Height: approx. 25 cm Width: approx. 7 × 7 cm Weight: approx. 746 g Condition: Near unused / very good vintage condition Included: Original presentation/storage box CONDITION The vase is in very well-preserved condition and appears to have seen little or no practical use. As this is a vintage Japanese craft object, minor traces of age and long-term storage, very light surface marks or subtle irregularities may be present. The original box remains in good condition, considering its age. Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description. COLLECTOR & DECORATIVE APPEAL An especially attractive feature of this example is the survival of its original box, which preserves the Japanese descriptions “Gold Leaf Craftwork” and “Hakusan Hanase – Tsuta”. This helps retain the historical identity and context of the object. The combination of a shimmering gold surface, traditional Japanese ivy decoration, distinctive tall rectangular form and original presentation box makes this an interesting example of late 20th-century Japanese decorative craftsmanship. Vintage Japanese gold-leaf objects of this type are particularly appealing to collectors and interior enthusiasts interested in Japanese decorative arts, Ishikawa craftsmanship, Kanazawa gold leaf, lacquer-style decoration and Japandi design. The precise maker remains unidentified, adding an interesting research aspect to the piece. The red seal-style mark is clearly visible on the vase, but no attribution to a particular artist is made without documentary evidence. The elegant minimalist proportions allow the vase to work not only as a Japanese collectible but also as a sophisticated decorative accent in modern, Scandinavian, minimalist or Japandi interiors. A beautiful vintage Japanese craft object combining the brilliance of gold with the restrained elegance of traditional botanical decoration. The item will be carefully packed for safe international shipment. SEO / SEARCH KEYWORDS Japanese gold leaf vase, Kanazawa gold leaf, Kanazawa kinpaku, Japanese vintage vase, Hakusan Hanase, Hakusan vase, Tsuta ivy vase, Japanese gold vase, Japanese lacquer art, maki-e style, Japanese decorative arts, Ishikawa craft, Kaga craft, Japanese flower vase, vintage Japanese decor, Japanese gold leaf art, Japandi decor, Japanese collectible, Japanese traditional craft, Japanese interior design ■Please Note■ Shipping Information: Items are shipped from Japan. 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