Japanese Bronze Vase With Goldfish - Japan

A globular bronze vase depicting goldfish with sail-like tails; the eyes are accented with gold.

This large vase by Naimen Shiho I (Katsuji) is accompanied by documents from the Takaoka Municipal Museum dating from its 1986 exhibition. 
The exhibition label indicates that the vase was created in 1968.

It measures 27.5 cm in diameter and 23.5 cm in height.
It comes with its original wooden box signed by the artist.

Naimen Shiho I (Katsuji, 1904–1987) studied metalwork under Ichioka Shiun from the age of 15, establishing his own studio in 1925. His work was exhibited publicly for the first time at the 1930 National Shokoten.
Two years later, he received an award at the World’s Fair in Belgium. 
He remained active throughout the turbulent years of the mid-20th century, for which he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the city of Takaoka in 1967. 
Part of his body of work is housed at the Takaoka City Museum.
He remained very active in promoting traditional bronze objects until his death in 1987. 
His son, Shiho—the second generation—began studying under his father’s guidance in 1957. He, too, is highly regarded, having won first prize at the Takaoka Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1974.