Nakajima Yasumi II Sculptural Bronze Vase, Japan, 1961

Nakajima Yasumi II Sculptural Bronze Vase, Japan, 1961

€595,00 EUR
Product Information

A signed 1961 sculptural bronze vase by Nakajima Yasumi II (二代中島保美, 1905–1986), one of the leading Japanese bronze artists of the Shōwa period, in a rarely encountered architectural form.

The form is unusually architectural: four flared planes rise from a tapered base and open into a wing-like rim, while triple-arched openwork creates strong negative space at the top. The original box is inscribed 鑄銅萬年青花瓶, identifying it as a cast-copper omoto flower vase. Its rich purple-red, mottled surface is consistent with the coloured bronze and variegated patination associated with Yasumi’s work.

The underside is inscribed ヤマト消火器 / 1961 / 保美. It retains its original inscribed wooden box, signed 保美 inside, together with the artist biography paper and yellow protective cloth.
Context

Nakajima Yasumi II (1905–1986) came from a three-generation Osaka metalworking family and became one of the leading Japanese bronze artists of the Shōwa period. He exhibited widely at the Shin-Bunten and Nitten, winning the Nitten Hokuto Prize in 1952, and also showed work internationally, including Musée Cernuschi in Paris. His bronze vessels have an established Western collector market and have been handled by major international auction houses including Christie’s and Bonhams, as well as Lempertz. The vase’s deep purple-red mottling is likely 斑銅 (handō), a variegated copper or bronze surface treatment. The original box identifies the material more broadly as 鑄銅 (cast copper/bronze), while the visible mottling closely relates to the richly coloured bronze surfaces for which Yasumi is known.
Measurements

Height: 26.2 cm | Width: 21.2 cm | Depth: 11.5 cm | Base: approx. 11.7 × 11.7 cm | Weight: approx. 2.6 kg
Condition Notes

Excellent vintage condition for its age, with minor wear and fine scratches. The vase is stable. The original wooden box has an old repair and is missing its bottom panel.

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

Dust with a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive metal polishes, dips and chemical cleaners so the mottled purple-red bronze surface is preserved.

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

Free shipping for EU, UK and Switzerland orders over 500€.

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Full details can be found under Shipping & Delivery and the Return Policy.
Nakajima Yasumi II bronze vase, full front view showing tall flared silhouette and purple-red mottled surface.
  • Nakajima Yasumi II bronze vase, full front view showing tall flared silhouette and purple-red mottled surface.
  • Nakajima Yasumi II vase with original wooden box, artist paper and yellow protective cloth.
  • Close-up of Nakajima Yasumi II 1961 bronze vase with flared sculptural rim and geometric openwork arches.
  • Three-quarter view of Nakajima Yasumi II 1961 vase showing asymmetric flared rim and openwork detail.
  • Close-up of the flared rim and triple-arched openwork on Nakajima Yasumi II sculptural bronze vase.
  • Detail of the vase body showing its mottled purple-red bronze surface and gently widening base.
  • Underside inscription on Nakajima Yasumi II vase reading ヤマト消火器, 1961 and 保美.
  • Signed wooden box component for Nakajima Yasumi II vase, marked 保美 with red seal.
  • Original wooden box inscribed 鑄銅萬年青花瓶 for the Nakajima Yasumi II vase.
  • Nakajima Yasumi II vase resting in its repaired original box with yellow protective cloth.
  • Original Japanese artist biography paper accompanying the Nakajima Yasumi II bronze vase.

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