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

A Bronze Vase “Haru” (銅製壺「春」)

Showa Era (1926–1950)

About the work

An expressive bronze vase titled Haru (“Spring”) by Japanese sculptor Kooyu Fujii. Combining sculptural modelling with the function of a flower vessel, the work presents a rounded organic form enriched with bold relief decoration.

The surface is richly patinated in deep charcoal and warm bronze tones, with raised, flowing motifs of 3 women wrapping around the vase. These sculptural elements suggest the vitality of spring, giving the vessel a sense of movement and renewal. The textured bronze surface, softly modelled contours, and restrained opening create a work that is both functional and sculptural.

The vase bears the artist’s signature and is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), inscribed with the title Haru.

Dimensions

25.5cm(h) x 23cm(w)

Footnote

Kooyu Fujii (藤井浩佑, 1882–1958) was a prominent Japanese sculptor and member of the Japan Art Academy. Born in Tokyo, he graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1907 and exhibited regularly at the Bunten, where his work earned several awards. He later became a member of the Japan Art Institute, served as a Bunten juror, and was appointed to the Imperial Art Academy and Imperial Academy of Arts. From 1953 onward he used the name Kooyu (浩佑), and is remembered as an important figure in modern Japanese sculpture.