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

A Bronze Straight Waisted Flower Vase (胡銅腰一文字花入)

Showa Era (1926–1989) 

About the work

This elegant hanaire (flower vase) in a traditional reddish-brown bronze alloy was created by Ichinose Soshin, a master of Takaoka metalwork. Known as Koshi Ichimonji (“straight-waisted form”), the vase features a tall, slender silhouette that rises gracefully from a broad, stable foot to a narrow, flared mouth. Its surface bears a rich patina of dark brown with green undertones, naturally mottled to enhance depth and texture. The form is both restrained and dignified, well suited for use in the tea ceremony or as a refined display piece.

The vase is housed in its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), bearing the artist’s inscription and seal, underscoring its authenticity and provenance.

Dimensions

27.8cm(h) x 8.5cm(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.