Hannya Kankei (般若勘渓) Japanese, b. 1933

A Cast Bronze Vase with Carp Design (鋳銅花瓶)

Showa Era (1926-1989), Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

A superb cast bronze vase by Hannya Kankei, an esteemed Japanese metal artist celebrated for his mastery of traditional metal casting. The vase features a powerful, rounded form decorated in high relief with swimming carps rendered in rich patinated bronze. The sculptural modeling of the fish, together with the subtle gradation of the surface, creates a dynamic interplay of movement and depth, hallmarks of Hannya’s refined casting technique and sensitivity to form.

The piece exemplifies the technical precision and compositional harmony for which the Hannya family foundry has long been known, reflecting both tradition and innovation in modern Japanese bronze artistry.

The vase is accompanied by the original signed tomobako (wooden storage box) and leaflet.

Dimensions

21.7cm(h) x 24.3cm(w)

Footnote

Hannya Kankei was born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. A fourth-generation successor of the Hannya family foundry, active since 1870, he is known for his exceptional copper and bronze craftsmanship. Trained under Living National Treasure Katori Masahiko, Hannya first exhibited at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1969 and went on to receive major honors including the Japan Art Crafts Association Prize (1973), Encouragement Prize (1982), and Asahi Shimbun Prize (1985). His work is admired for its technical mastery, formal balance, and deep reverence for Japan’s traditional metalcraft heritage.