A Bronze Karashishi Relief Vase (青銅唐獅子文一輪生)

Taisho Era (1912-1926) or Showa Era (1926–1949)

About the work

An exceptional bronze vase by Suzuki Kosetsu, one of the distinguished masters of Takaoka metalwork. Cast in a rare flattened circular form, the vessel is decorated on both sides with finely modelled relief images of karashishi (Chinese guardian lions), symbols traditionally associated with strength, protection, and prosperity in East Asian art.

The rich bronze surface displays a warm reddish-brown patina developed through careful casting and finishing techniques, while subtle variations in tone enhance the sculptural quality of the relief decoration. The compact body is fitted with a narrow cylindrical neck and accented by small loop-form handles at the shoulders, creating a harmonious balance between functionality and artistic expression.

Designed as an ichirin-ike (single-flower vase), the work reflects the refined aesthetics of Japanese flower arrangement, where a solitary bloom is celebrated through the beauty of its vessel. The combination of sculptural relief, elegant proportions, and masterful bronze craftsmanship exemplifies the artistic achievements of Takaoka metalware during the first half of the twentieth century.

The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

15.2cm(h) x 12.5cm(w) x 4.7cm(d)

Footnote

Suzuki Kosetsu (鈴木古拙, 1876–1949) was a prominent Japanese metalwork artist and master bronze caster active from the late Meiji period through the early Shōwa era. He was closely associated with the celebrated tradition of Takaoka copperware in Toyama Prefecture, one of Japan's foremost centres for metal casting renowned for its production of bronze sculpture, Buddhist ritual objects, flower vessels, and decorative arts.

Working primarily in cast bronze, Kosetsu specialised in traditional chūkin (bronze casting) techniques, creating works distinguished by their technical refinement, rich patination, and sculptural detail. His oeuvre frequently incorporated classical East Asian motifs, including karashishi (Chinese mythical lions), Buddhist imagery, and nature-inspired decorative themes. These subjects were rendered with a balance of strength and elegance that reflected both the craftsmanship of Takaoka metalwork and the aesthetic traditions of Japanese decorative arts.

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Vase

74th Generation Asahi Hosai (七十四代 朝日豊斎), Japanese (1921-2004)

74th Generation Asahi Hosai (七十四代 朝日豊斎), Japanese (1921-2004)

Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Japanese, 1920-1985

Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Japanese, 1920-1985

Toyo Kaneshige (金重陶陽), Japanese, 1896-1967

Toyo Kaneshige (金重陶陽), Japanese, 1896-1967

Suigetsu Shimizu (清水酔月), Japanese (b. 1944)

Suigetsu Shimizu (清水酔月), Japanese (b. 1944)

Hayashi Koroku (林小六), Japanese (b. 1943)

Hayashi Koroku (林小六), Japanese (b. 1943)

Hara Masuo (原益夫), Japanese, b. 1934

Hara Masuo (原益夫), Japanese, b. 1934

Nakajima Yasumi II (二代 中島保美), Japanese (1905–1986)

Nakajima Yasumi II (二代 中島保美), Japanese (1905–1986)

Kooyu Fujii (藤井浩佑), Japanese (1882-1958)

Kooyu Fujii (藤井浩佑), Japanese (1882-1958)

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

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

Nakagawa Mamoru (中川衛), Japanese (b. 1947)

Nakagawa Mamoru (中川衛), Japanese (b. 1947)

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

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

Gerd Knäpper, German, 1943–2012

Gerd Knäpper, German, 1943–2012

Kiyoko Koyama (神山清子), Japanese, (1936-2023)

Kiyoko Koyama (神山清子), Japanese, (1936-2023)

Suzuki Kosetsu (鈴木古拙), Japanese (1876–1949)

Suzuki Kosetsu (鈴木古拙), Japanese (1876–1949)

Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Japanese, 1920-1985

Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Japanese, 1920-1985

Yamato Yasuo (大和保男), Japanese (b. 1933)

Yamato Yasuo (大和保男), Japanese (b. 1933)

Masahide Hashizume (橋詰正英), Japanese (b. 1959)

Masahide Hashizume (橋詰正英), Japanese (b. 1959)

Kato Toyohisa (加藤豊久), Japanese, b. 1962

Kato Toyohisa (加藤豊久), Japanese, b. 1962

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74th Generation Asahi Hosai (七十四代朝日豊斎), Japanese (1921-2004)

74th Generation Asahi Hosai (七十四代朝日豊斎), Japanese (1921-2004)

Nakajima Yasumi II (二代中島保美), Japanese (1905–1986)

Nakajima Yasumi II (二代中島保美), Japanese (1905–1986)