Japanese bronze vase, Shōwa era 1950/1970

A Japanese vase with a simple cylindrical silhouette, a narrow neck, and a delicate decoration of flowering plum branches (ume).

In Japanese culture, the plum tree is the first to bloom at the end of winter, symbolizing renewal, perseverance, and courage in the face of adversity.

Origin: A very fine example of contemporary Japanese metalwork (Shōwa or Heisei era). The slight golden wear visible on the support ring reveals an alloy based on brass or light bronze (sentoku or yellow brass), covered with a mottled brown-black patina applied while hot and inlaid with metals. This finish is characteristic of the handcrafted production of the city of Takaoka (Toyama Prefecture), the main historical center of artistic metalwork in Japan.

Metal inlay technique:
Once the vase is removed from the mold, the artisan engraves grooves into the bronze to hammer in wires of precious metals, creating contrasting patterns that are flush with the surface. The plum blossoms and branches are delicately inlaid in soft relief.
Distinct metallic nuances are visible (gold/brass for the blossoms and copper/silver for the branches), according to the traditional art of metal inlay (Hira-zōgan), a recognized specialty of the workshops of Kanazawa and Takaoka.
The flower petals subtly alternate between matte silver and gold reflections, typical of pieces intended for postwar art salons (1950s-1970s).

Patina and finish: The surface has a matte, subtly mottled brown-black patina applied while hot, typical of Japanese bronzes intended for flower arranging (ikebana) or simple interior decoration (tokonoma).

Period: A vase characteristic of Takaoka pottery production (Toyama Prefecture). The crispness of the machine stamp and the regularity of the casting place this piece between the 1950s and 1970s.
Signature: The rectangular seal engraved in the center reads 金峰 (Kinfō). This is the mark of the foundryman Kinfō (sometimes written Kinfō saku, meaning "Made by Kinfō"), a master bronze craftsman associated with the renowned Takaoka copperware tradition (Takaoka dōki).

Condition: Very good condition, a visible mark in the patina, no dents.

Dimensions: Height: 24 cm Diameter: 14 cm

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