Japanese Bronze By Hannya Kankei (般若勘渓): Bronze Vase Inlaid With Silver

This exquisitely distinguished ovoid bronze vase, with its elegant proportions, is the work of renowned Takaoka bronze sculptor Hannya Kankei, heir to one of Japan's oldest families of bronze founders.

The patina, executed with exceptional skill, oscillates between dark brown tones and a fresh rokushō green. Subtle marbling enlivens the surface, demonstrating the artist's mastery of traditional alloying techniques and oxidation. A refined botanical frieze in delicate bas-relief adorns the vase's shoulder, harmoniously complementing its form. A small motif in pure silver zōgan, its brilliance contrasting with the understated bronze, creates a discreet and luxurious contrast, a hallmark of Kankei's finest creations.

Hannya Kankei was born in 1933 in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, the historical cradle of bronze casting in Japan. He is the fourth-generation successor of the Hannya family foundry, a workshop whose origins date back to the early Meiji era and whose oldest lineage traces back to the 17th-century founders, invited by the Kaga domain to establish what would become the Takaoka metal casting tradition. From a young age, he trained in the family workshop and later apprenticed with the legendary Katori Masahiko, recognized as a Living National Treasure for his metalwork. Kankei thus belongs to one of the most prestigious and respected lineages of Japanese craftsmanship.

His career took a decisive turn in 1969 when he was admitted for the first time to the National Exhibition of Traditional Crafts. That year, he received a series of prestigious awards: the Japan Kōgei-kai Award (日本工芸会賞) – 1973, the Encouragement Award – 1982, and the Asahi Shimbun Award – 1985. Kankei became a long-standing member of the Japan Kōgei Association, making significant contributions to the development of metalwork in Japan. Technically, he is recognized for his mastery of sahari casting (砂張), a traditional copper-tin alloy prized for its clarity of color and the depth of its patina. His work is characterized by impeccable casting, fine chiseling, layered patinas, and the occasional integration of silver inlays. In addition to his original works, he has also produced museum-quality reproductions of antique Japanese bronze objects, including ceremonial vases commissioned by the Imperial Household Agency and inspired by the treasures of the Shōsōin. His pieces embody the purest continuity of Takaoka bronze art: rooted in traditional craftsmanship, they are executed with contemporary restraint, a keen sense of form, and understated dignity.

Standing 36 cm tall, this vase combines presence and refinement, perfectly illustrating Hannya Kankei's ability to fuse classical technique with modern sculptural sensibility. The engraved seal on the underside attests to its authenticity. Works of this caliber are increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese metal art, who appreciate their craftsmanship, lineage, and connection to the prestigious Takaoka tradition.

An exceptional piece by a master craftsman of the Shōwa era: a synthesis of heritage, technical mastery and understated elegance.