Japanese Bronze Flower Vase by Kanamori Shōei, Japan, Shōwa period, c. 1960s–1980s

Japanese Bronze Flower Vase by Kanamori Shōei, Japan, Shōwa period, c. 1960s–1980s

€195,00 EUR
Product Information

A Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei, made in Japan in the Shōwa period and marked 紹栄, read as Shōei, to the underside. It is a 唐銅花入 (karakane hanaire), a bronze flower vase used for tea display, and it comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako).

The vase has a tall, narrow form with a rolled mouth, rounded shoulder, and tapering body. Relief panels at the upper body and base bring concentrated detail to the surface, while the smooth central body keeps the overall form clean and restrained. The balance between quiet form and expressive detail gives the piece its character.

It works as a functional vase, but it also has a clear sculptural presence when displayed on its own.
Context

In Japanese tea practice, 唐銅花入 (karakane hanaire) means a bronze flower vase used for tea display, often placed in a tokonoma, the recessed display area in a traditional Japanese room. Metal vases like this belong to a long tradition of formal display pieces, often made in dark copper-alloy and shaped with reference to older bronzeware forms.

The name 紹栄, read as Shōei, appears on both the vase and the wooden box. In Japanese traditional crafts, maker names are sometimes passed down within a family or workshop, so the name can refer to a maker line as well as an individual artist. That shared workshop tradition helps explain why related forms appear across more than one generation.
Measurements

Height: 27.3 cm | Width: approx. 8 cm | Depth: approx. 8 cm | Mouth diameter: 6.7 cm | Base diameter: 6.2 cm | Weight: 1.1 kg
Condition Notes

Overall excellent vintage condition. Minor surface wear consistent with age and handling. The original wooden tomobako is included and shows normal wear from storage and use. The vase has been used with fresh flowers and is suitable for water.

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 with a soft dry cloth and avoid abrasive metal polishes, as these may affect the original patina. If used with water, empty and dry thoroughly after use. Store the tomobako in a dry place away from direct humidity.

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. If your location is not listed, please contact us for a shipping quote before placing an order.

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 bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei shown beside its original signed wooden storage box with Japanese calligraphy and seal.
  • Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei shown beside its original signed wooden storage box with Japanese calligraphy and seal.
  • Three-quarter view of a Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei with rolled rim, dark patina, and cast relief decoration.
  • Studio view of a Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei showing its full form against a pale background.
  • Close-up of the upper body and rim of a Japanese bronze flower vase showing the relief panel and bronze-toned surface.
  • Close-up of the lower section of a Japanese bronze flower vase with dark patina and cast relief pattern around the foot.
  • Interior base of a Japanese bronze flower vase showing the incised maker’s mark 紹栄 on the underside.
  • Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei shown with a while Lily flower, featuring a tall tapered form and relief panel detail.
  • Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei shown beside its original signed wooden storage box with Japanese calligraphy and seal.
  • Three-quarter view of a Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei with rolled rim, dark patina, and cast relief decoration.
  • Studio view of a Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei showing its full form against a pale background.
  • Close-up of the upper body and rim of a Japanese bronze flower vase showing the relief panel and bronze-toned surface.
  • Close-up of the lower section of a Japanese bronze flower vase with dark patina and cast relief pattern around the foot.
  • Interior base of a Japanese bronze flower vase showing the incised maker’s mark 紹栄 on the underside.
  • Japanese bronze flower vase by Kanamori Shōei shown with a while Lily flower, featuring a tall tapered form and relief panel detail.

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