Hasuda Shugoro (蓮田修吾郎), Japanese (1915-2010)

A Bronze Vase “Yahazu” (青銅壷「矢筈」)

Showa Era (1926-1989) 

About the work

This bronze vase titled Yahazu by Hasuda Shugoro is a refined example of postwar Japanese metalwork, combining sculptural rigor with restrained elegance. The form rises vertically in a slender cylindrical silhouette, subtly tapering toward the neck before opening into a sharply defined mouth. Its proportions are deliberate and architectural, emphasizing balance, tension, and quiet authority.

The surface is finished in a deep, muted green patina with finely controlled tonal variations. Delicate linear incisions encircle the body at measured intervals, introducing a rhythmic horizontal emphasis that contrasts with the vertical thrust of the form. The patina settles unevenly within these lines and across the surface, producing depth and a sense of age that enhances the vessel’s contemplative presence. The base is crisply finished, anchoring the composition with visual stability.

It is accompanied by its original wooden storage box bearing the artist’s inscription and seal, as well as a descriptive leaflet, attesting to its authenticity and careful preservation.

Dimensions

25cm(h) x 9cm(w)

Weight: 2,840g

Footnote

Hasuda Shugoro was a prominent Japanese metal artist known for his expertise in blending traditional casting techniques with modern aesthetics. Born in 1915, he was instrumental in advancing modern Japanese metal sculpture, creating iconic public works, including the "Four Islands Bridge" monument in Hokkaido. His career earned him numerous accolades, including the Japanese Order of Culture, cementing his influence in Japanese metalwork and leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.