Takamura Toyochika (高村豊周), Japanese, 1890–1972

A Bronze Wide Mouth Itome Flower Vase (廣口糸目花瓶)

Showa Era (1926 – 1989) 

About the work

An elegant cast bronze flower vase by Takamura Toyochika, one of the foremost figures in twentieth century Japanese metalwork and a designated Living National Treasure.

The vase is formed with a full, gently tapering body rising through rounded shoulders to a tall neck and broadly flared mouth. Its restrained silhouette is enlivened by closely spaced horizontal itome, or thread like lines, encircling the shoulder. The precision and rhythm of these fine concentric bands create a subtle textural contrast with the smooth lower body and neck while emphasising the vessel's rounded volume.

The bronze surface possesses a warm reddish brown patina with softly modulated tones that respond beautifully to changing light. Rather than relying on elaborate ornament, Takamura allows proportion, surface and the inherent character of the metal to define the work. The result reflects the refined modernism for which his mature metalwork is celebrated, balancing traditional Japanese casting techniques with a remarkably clean sculptural sensibility.

The artist's cast seal is impressed to the base. The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and storage cloth.

Dimensions

16.9cm(h) x 11cm(w)

Footnote

Takamura Toyochika (高村豊周, 1890–1972) was a leading Japanese metal artist and an important figure in the development of modern Japanese craft. Born in Tokyo as the third son of the celebrated sculptor Takamura Koun, he studied metal casting at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and subsequently established himself as a master of cast metalwork. Takamura was particularly admired for vessels that combined accomplished casting and patination with restrained, modern forms, allowing the intrinsic beauty of bronze and other metals to take precedence over excessive decoration. In 1955, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure, for metal casting. His work occupies an important position at the intersection of traditional Japanese metalworking and twentieth century modern craft.