Item Description This work is a Japanese cast bronze (chūdō) vase attributed to Yamamoto Hōzan (born c. 1903). Yamamoto Hōzan was a metalwork artist born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Takaoka is renowned as Japan's foremost casting production center, accounting for over 90% of all copper and bronze goods manufactured in Japan. The vase features a flat, teardrop-shaped silhouette with an asymmetrical oval opening at the mouth. The body has a deep black finish; on one side, two cranes rendered in gold and silver inlay gleam against the surface, while on the reverse, three turtles worked in the same gold-and-silver contrast are depicted walking across the black ground. The artist's carved signature can be found near the bottom on the reverse side. The piece feels substantial in the hand, and its thick construction through solid casting is characteristic of mid-20th century Japanese bronze works. It may be displayed as a sculptural standalone vase or used as a decorative object. Artist Profile Yamamoto Hōzan (born c. 1903) was a Japanese metalwork artist from Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, who dedicated his life to metal casting. Takaoka, located in Toyama Prefecture, is Japan's largest casting production center, accounting for over 90% of domestic copper and bronze goods production and maintaining a tradition stretching back more than 400 years to the early Edo period. Works attributed to Hōzan include cast bronze vases with softly rounded silhouettes, warm-toned finishes, and inlay decoration — features considered hallmarks of mid-20th century Japanese bronze art. Works bearing Hōzan's signature can also be found on international secondary markets such as 1stDibs and Catawiki. Dimensions Height: 20.5 cm Width: 19 cm Depth: 8 cm Weight 2399 g / 2.4 kg Condition No notable chips, cracks, or damage are visible. There is only minor wear consistent with age (light scratches on the base), and the overall condition is good. Additional Information This piece was acquired from the old collection of an acquaintance. The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation. Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL. Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea. Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment. Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.