Vintage Japanese Bronze Ikebana Vase with Turtle (Kame) Motif, Heisei 6, 1994 | SKU: 26M-973

Vintage Japanese Bronze Ikebana Vase with Turtle (Kame) Motif, Heisei 6, 1994 | SKU: 26M-973

A slender bronze ikebana vase with a finely cast turtle climbing its base -- a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese tradition.

A kabin is a traditional Japanese flower vase, and this example represents the refined Japanese vintage bronze casting work of the Heisei period. Cast in dark patinated bronze, the vase rises from a wide, lentil-shaped foot through a long, gently flaring neck to a softly trumpeted mouth -- a classic form well suited to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. What elevates this piece above the ordinary is the small, exquisitely detailed kame (turtle) sculpted in the round and applied to the shoulder of the base. Every detail of the shell, head, and legs is rendered with quiet precision, showcasing the skill of the craftsman who made it. The kame is one of Japan's most beloved auspicious symbols, representing longevity, steadiness, and good fortune -- making this vase not merely decorative but genuinely meaningful as a vintage Japanese craft object.

In a modern home, this bronze kabin works beautifully as a living room accent or bedroom decor piece, displayed on a shelf or mantle with a single stem or a spare ikebana arrangement. Its deep, nearly black patina and minimalist silhouette complement Japandi style and wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors alike, adding an understated note of history and artistry. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, for Japanophiles, or as a housewarming gift for someone who appreciates handcrafted objects with symbolic depth. Set alone on a side table or grouped with other bronzes, it commands attention without demanding it.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1994 (Heisei 6)
• Material: Cast bronze with dark patina
• Use: Ikebana flower vase; decorative display piece
• Modern Use: Single-stem flower vase or ikebana display; living room or bedroom accent on shelf or mantle; decorative sculptural object in a Japandi or minimalist interior
• Features: Elongated slender neck rising from a wide, flat-bottomed body; softly flared mouth; finely cast three-dimensional kame (turtle) applied to the base shoulder; rich dark patina throughout; small recessed foot ring
• Dimensions: 5" Diameter x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and auspicious vintage Japanese bronze vase -- where the art of casting meets the symbolism of the kame, bringing longevity and quiet elegance to any modern space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.