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

A Sahari Bronze flower vase with demon-mask handles (砂張銅 末廣鬼面耳付花入)

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

A striking and elegantly proportioned hanaire (flower vase) by the metal artist Ichinose Sōshin, executed in richly patinated sahari bronze. The tall suehiro form gently flares toward the mouth, creating a refined silhouette rooted in classical Japanese bronze aesthetics. At the centre are finely detailed oni-men (demon-mask) handles, lending the work both sculptural presence and subtle symbolic character.

The dark bronze surface possesses a soft lustre and understated depth, highlighting the artist’s mastery of casting and finishing techniques. The restrained elegance of the elongated body contrasts beautifully with the expressive mask-form handles, resulting in a work that is both powerful and sophisticated. Suitable as both a functional flower vessel and an object of sculptural appreciation.

Signed tomobako (original wooden storage box) included.

Dimensions

24.7cm(h) x 8.8cm(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.