Yoshino Takeji (1920): A Japanese bronze spherical vase with brown flamed yûtenki patina, Showa, 20th C.

H 25,2 cm

This Showa period vase comes with its original tomobako (the wooden storage box).

Yoshino Takeji (1920) was born in Takaoka, Japan. He learned the basic techniques of casting from his father Takeharu Yoshino (the gō or art name of Takejiro Yoshino) at an early age. As the fourth generation of metal makers of the Yoshino family, he started to produce when he graduated from Toyama Industrial Art School in 1938. Rather than to use modern manufacturing methods, he maintained traditional bronze making techniques. Examples of Takeji's work are held in the Imperial Household at the Akasaka Palace, Tokyo. In 1975 he received the official recognition from the Japanese government for his continuation of the traditional  techniques. In 1989 Takeji was bestowed the 7th Blue Medal of Honour from the Japanese government.