Ichinose Soshin (一ノ瀬宗辰), Japanese, 1904-1982

A Bronze Wide Flower Vase (唐銅 寛通形 花入)

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

This elegant flower vase is cast in karakane (唐銅), a refined bronze alloy traditionally prized in Japanese tea utensils. The form is Kantsū-gata (寛通形), characterized by its wide, rounded body that tapers upward into a long, slender neck, ending in a small circular mouth. The surface displays a beautiful, mottled patina in shades of green and dark bronze, creating depth and subtle variation that enhance the sculptural presence of the piece. With its poised silhouette and dignified coloration, the vase exemplifies the balance of restraint and refinement admired in the Japanese tea ceremony.

The vase comes complete with its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), inscribed and sealed by the artist, underscoring authenticity and provenance.

Dimensions

27cm(h) x 14.5cm(w)

Footnote

Ichinose Soshin was a master craftsman of Kyoto copperware and ceremonial implements. He inherited the secret techniques of his predecessor, Muneshin, and rigorously trained in the traditions of the tea ceremony and Kyoto’s finest metal coloring and forging methods. Soshin’s works have been exhibited in the Japanese Art Tea Utensil and Flower Vase Promotion Exhibition, where he received the Minister of Education Award twice—in 1963 and 1973—a testament to his lifelong dedication to refined craft and cultural heritage.