Japanese Copper-Alloy Tea Flower Vessel by Ichinose Soshin, Japan, c. 1960s - 1980s

Japanese Copper-Alloy Tea Flower Vessel by Ichinose Soshin, Japan, c. 1960s - 1980s

€235,00 EUR
Product Information

Japanese copper-alloy tea flower vessel by Fourth-generation Ichinose Soshin (四世 一ノ瀬宗辰), Japan, Shōwa period, c. 1960s - 1980s

. In Japanese, this type of vessel is called a hanaire (花入), meaning flower vessel. The piece is signed on the base and comes with its original wooden storage box and printed paper leaflet.

The box is inscribed 胡銅 大名物写 四方鶴首花入. 胡銅 refers to a copper-alloy material used in Japanese tea metalwork. 大名物写 means a later copy or interpretation after a highly regarded tea-utensil form, while 四方鶴首 means square crane-neck, referring to the tall four-sided neck.

This is not a standard domestic vase, but a Japanese tea ceremony flower vessel intended for a small, restrained arrangement. Its strength is in the vertical structure, weighted lower body, ring handles, and dark patinated copper-alloy surface. It can be displayed as a sculptural metalwork object, or used as a tea-room flower vessel with a liner.
Context

Ichinose Soshin is a hereditary metalworker name from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, one of Japan’s major centres for copper-alloy casting and decorative metalwork. The Ichinose line is associated with tea utensils and flower vessels, with the workshop tradition traced back to the late 19th century.

This example is by the fourth generation, identified on the accompanying leaflet as 金工師 四世 一ノ瀬宗辰, meaning metalworker Fourth-generation Ichinose Soshin. His work continues the family’s focus on copper-alloy tea objects, where material, patina, proportion, and restraint define the piece.

Takaoka metalwork is known for cast copper-alloy objects including flower vessels, tea utensils, incense burners, Buddhist fittings, and decorative works. In this vessel, that tradition appears through a controlled tea-ceremony form: square neck, ring handles, dark green-brown patina, and compact sculptural body.
Measurements

Height: 27 cm | Width: 7.8 cm | Depth: 7.8 cm | Mouth width: 2.2 cm | Box dimensions: 31 × 11 × 11 cm | Weight: 1.35 kg with box
Condition Notes

Very good vintage condition overall. The vase is structurally intact, with an even dark surface patina, green-brown tonal variation, light age-related marks, and normal handling wear. No visible cracks, breaks, major dents, or losses are apparent from inspection. The original wooden storage box and printed paper leaflet are included.

Vintage and antique objects may show signs of age and use. Each piece is carefully cleaned before listing. Patina and original surfaces are preserved where appropriate, and minor restoration may be carried out when necessary.

For general information about vintage condition, see the FAQ. If you would like additional photographs or a detailed condition report, please contact us before purchase.
Care Guide

Clean gently with a soft dry cloth. Do not use copper polish, brass polish, acidic cleaners, abrasive cloths, or soaking, as these may disturb the dark patinated surface. If used with water or fresh flowers, use a removable liner and dry thoroughly after use.

For more detailed guidance on caring for different materials in our collection, please refer to our general care guide.
Shipping & Returns

We ship from Germany to selected international destinations. Shipping is calculated at checkout.

For deliveries outside the European Union, customs duties or import taxes are not included and may be charged by the destination country.

Full details can be found under Shipping & Delivery and the Return Policy.
Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase shown beside its original inscribed wooden box and paper leaflet.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase shown beside its original inscribed wooden box and paper leaflet.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase with square neck, ring handles, photographed in front of a beige background.
  • Close-up of the four-sided lower body and ring handles of a green-brown Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase.
  • Close-up of the long square neck and ring handles of a patinated Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase with square neck, ring handles, and original wooden storage box.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase shown inside its original inscribed wooden box and paper leaflet.
  • Close-up of the signed mark on a green-brown patinated Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase shown beside its original inscribed wooden box and paper leaflet.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase with square neck, ring handles, photographed in front of a beige background.
  • Close-up of the four-sided lower body and ring handles of a green-brown Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase.
  • Close-up of the long square neck and ring handles of a patinated Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase with square neck, ring handles, and original wooden storage box.
  • Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase shown inside its original inscribed wooden box and paper leaflet.
  • Close-up of the signed mark on a green-brown patinated Japanese copper-alloy hanaire vase.

You may also like