Nakajima Yasumi I (初代中島保美), Japanese (1877–1950)

A Cast Bronze Flower Vase, “Hope” (希望 鋳銅花瓶)

Showa Era (1926-1989)

About the work

A finely cast bronze flower vase by Nakajima Yasumi I, titled Kibō (希望), meaning “Hope”. The vase is distinguished by its elegant, elongated silhouette, with a full rounded body rising into a remarkably slender neck and terminating in a gently flared mouth.

The body is articulated by raised, flowing ribs that sweep upwards from the rounded base and continue towards the neck, giving the otherwise restrained form a subtle sense of movement and verticality. A rich reddish brown patina enhances the sculptural modelling of the bronze, with gentle tonal variations appearing across its softly lustrous surface. The combination of accomplished casting, controlled proportions and understated ornament reflects the refinement of Japanese bronze art during the first half of the twentieth century.

The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako.

Dimensions

33.7cm(h) x 13cm(w)

Footnote

Nakajima Yasumi I (初代中島保美, 1877–1950), also known as Nakajima Toyoji, was a prominent Japanese bronze artist of the early twentieth century. He first came to attention after receiving an award at the Senkatsu Kinen Exhibition in 1908 and subsequently exhibited regularly at the Teiten and later Nitten national exhibitions. Internationally recognised, he served as a juror for the Japanese submissions to the 1925 Paris Exposition, where his own work also received honours, and was awarded at the 1931 Belgian Exposition. His bronzes entered important collections including those of the Imperial Household Agency and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Highly regarded for both his artistic and technical achievements, Nakajima also mentored younger bronze artists and contributed significantly to the development of modern Japanese metalwork. His legacy was continued by his son, Nakajima Yasumi II, an important figure in postwar Japanese bronze art.