{"product_id":"jp588-hara-masuo","title":"Hara Masuo (原益夫), Japanese, b. 1934","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Cast Bronze Flower Vase (鋳銅 はないれ)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShowa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989–2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA refined cast bronze flower vase by Hara Masuo, an accomplished Japanese metal artist celebrated for his elegant modern interpretations of traditional bronze forms. Executed with remarkable precision, the vase exemplifies Hara's restrained aesthetic, where purity of form and subtle surface texture take precedence over elaborate ornamentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vase is of tall cylindrical form with a gently flared rim and a softly constricted waist defined by a series of finely incised horizontal bands. The elongated silhouette is beautifully balanced, drawing the eye upward while maintaining a quiet sculptural presence. Finished in a deep, matte brown-black patina, the bronze surface possesses a subtle warmth that enhances the simplicity of the design. The understated decoration allows the flawless proportions and meticulous craftsmanship to become the focal point, making the vessel equally suited for ikebana flower arrangements or as a contemporary sculptural object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vase bears the artist's signature on the base and is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25.4cm(h) x 5cm(w) x 5cm(d)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFootnote\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHara Masuo (b. 1934) was born in Kashiwazaki, Niigata, as the seventh-generation successor to the Okubo foundry lineage dating back to the Muromachi period. After graduating from Kashiwazaki Technical School, he studied metal casting under Kitahara Sankei. Encouraged by Living National Treasure Hasuda Shugoro, he debuted at the Nitten exhibition at age 23, where he achieved consecutive selections and later exemption status. His early work Kaisei received special recognition for its innovative abstraction. Over his career, he received major honors including the Prime Minister’s Award, the Minister of Education Award, and the Japan Art Academy Prize, establishing him as a leading figure in modern Japanese metalwork.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hara Masuo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56789365719426,"sku":"JP588","price":350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0549\/3830\/4706\/files\/Hara_Masuo_JP588-1.jpg?v=1784890296","url":"https:\/\/orientalteabox.com\/products\/jp588-hara-masuo","provider":"OrientalTeaBox","version":"1.0","type":"link"}