Iraku Uozumi I (初代魚住為楽), Japanese, (1886–1964)

A Bronze Crane-Neck Flower Vase

Taisho Era (1912-1926) or Showa Era (1926 – 1989) 

About the work

This elegant flower vase is the work of Iraku Uozumi I, a renowned metalsmith designated a Living National Treasure for his mastery of sunabari-dō (砂張銅), a resonant bronze alloy highly prized in Japanese casting traditions. Formed in the refined crane neck style, the vase rises gracefully from a rounded body to a tall, slender neck, flaring slightly at the rim. The surface bears a deep patina in dark bronze tones, emphasizing the poised silhouette and understated dignity of the form. Intended as a single-stem vase, the work reflects the harmony of functional elegance and sculptural artistry central to Japanese metalwork.

The piece is preserved with its wooden box (tomobako), along with protective cloth and documentation.

Dimensions

24.4cm(h) x 7.2cm(w)

Weight: 319g

Footnote

Iraku Uozumi I (1886–1964), born in Ishikawa Prefecture, trained under Yamaguchi Tokuzō, a Buddhist metal artisan in Osaka. Initially studying the casting and tonal properties of bells, he later studied sunabari bronze casting under masters such as Shōmoku Haruhiko and Katori Hotsuma. Excelling in sound quality and resonance, Uozumi produced outstanding bronze works and became celebrated for his refined techniques. In 1955 he received the Kanazawa City Cultural Prize, and in 1955 was recognized as a Living National Treasure for his mastery of sunabari-dō bell and vessel casting. He passed away in 1964 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of technical brilliance and artistic refinement.