Kyuzaemon Orihara (折原久左衛門), Japanese (1931-2018)

A Cast Bronze Flower Vase Titled “Kei”  (鋳銅花挿 -渓)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989–2019)

About the work

This bronze vase by Orihara Kyuzaemon, titled “Kei” (Ravine), presents a strong vertical form defined by a sharply faceted, square profile. The work draws its character from the dramatic, sculpted opening at the top, where the metal has been carved into an irregular, eroded terrain suggestive of a mountain gorge. The surface shows a deep, warm patina, subtly variegated through careful finishing, with clean incised lines along the body that enhance the geometric composition. 

The signature is engraved on one face. The piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden box.

Dimensions

21cm(h) x 7cm(w) x 7cm(d)

Weight: 2kg

Footnote

Kyuzaemon Orihara (1931–2018) was a celebrated Japanese metal artist from Yamagata Prefecture. Initially trained in education, he turned to metal arts under the influence of Shosuke Yoshitake and later became a key figure in contemporary Japanese metalwork. Orihara’s early works explored folded and hammered iron forms, but due to hearing loss from years of forging, he shifted toward casting and welding techniques in the 1970s. Using materials like bronze, aluminum, and brass, he created both intimate flower vessels and monumental public sculptures across Hokkaido. His works often explored themes of connection, ritual, and guidance, earning him the Japan Art Academy Prize and the Minister of Education Award.