Uozumi Norimitsu (魚住法光), Japanese, 1941–2006

A “Sabari” Vase (佐波理花生) 

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

An elegant sahari bronze flower vase by the distinguished Kanazawa metal artist Uozumi Norimitsu, also known as Kashū-jū Yukio (加州住幸雄). This refined Sabari Hanaike (佐波理花生) displays an elongated silhouette with a slender neck rising from a subtly faceted lower body, demonstrating the artist’s exceptional sense of proportion and mastery of surface treatment. The deep dark patina reveals delicate tonal variations and a subdued metallic sheen characteristic of finely cast sahari bronze.

The restrained geometry of the lower body gently catches light across its faceted planes, balancing sculptural modernity with the classical elegance of traditional Japanese bronze vessels. The work exemplifies the sophisticated metalworking tradition of Kaga and Kanazawa, where mastery of bronze casting has been cultivated for generations.

Signed “Hōkō” (法光) to the underside and accompanied by the original signed wooden tomobako.

Dimensions

24.3cm(h) x 8.8cm(w)

Footnote

Uozumi Norimitsu (魚住法光, 1941–2006) was a distinguished Japanese metal artist from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, specializing in sahari bronze casting. After graduating from Ishikawa Prefectural Technical High School in 1960, he trained in the traditional techniques of sahari metalwork under his father and alongside his brother Yasuhiko (安彦), heirs to the celebrated Uozumi family tradition. He was repeatedly selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition beginning in 1964, received numerous awards at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition and the Contemporary Japanese Craft Exhibition, and became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1969. In 1992 he established his independent studio and adopted the art name “Hōkō” (法光). Renowned for his refined flower vessels and tea utensils in sahari bronze, Uozumi’s works embody the elegant balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern sculptural form associated with the metalworking heritage of Kaga and Kanazawa.