Vintage Japanese Bronze Flower Vase (Kabin), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0560

Vintage Japanese Bronze Flower Vase (Kabin), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0560

A commemorative bronze kabin with rich red-gold patination -- presented at the opening of a Japanese orthopedic clinic and attributed to a named artist.

A kabin is a traditional Japanese flower vase designed to hold ikebana arrangements, the centuries-old art of mindful floral composition. This globular bronze kabin embodies the refined metalwork tradition that flourished in Japan during the Late Showa era, when skilled craftsmen produced presentation-quality bronzeware as gifts to mark significant milestones. Cast from copper alloy and finished by hand, the vase carries a mottled red-brown and gold patination across its rounded body -- a surface treatment that evokes the natural oxidation prized in Japanese aesthetic culture. A polished gold accent band marks the junction of neck and shoulder, and the raised foot ring provides a stable, elegant base. An engraved inscription on the body reads "kaiin kinen" (opening commemoration) followed by the name of an orthopedic clinic, recording the moment this piece entered the world as a formal gift. The tomobako -- the original wooden storage box -- is inscribed in brushwork with "kabin" (flower vase) and bears an artist seal, confirming this is a named, intentional work of vintage Japanese craft rather than a mass-produced ornament.

Today this kabin translates beautifully into contemporary interiors as a standalone decorative accent. Its warm amber and burnt-sienna tones complement both Japandi style and mid-century modern settings equally well. Display it on a living room sideboard or entry console as a sculptural focal point, or set a single stem of dried pampas grass or a spare ikebana arrangement in its narrow neck for understated bedroom decor. Its compact footprint also makes it an ideal desk accent in a home office, where its story of commemoration adds quiet gravitas to the space. A unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese vintage metalwork, it arrives with its original tissue-wrapped tomobako -- a rare and complete presentation.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Bronze / copper alloy with applied red-brown and gold patination; polished gold accent band at neck-body junction
• Use: Ikebana flower vase; commemorative presentation gift
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent; entry console sculptural display; home office desk ornament
• Features: Globular body with flared trumpet neck and raised foot ring; mottled red-brown and gold patinated surface across body and neck; engraved commemorative inscription reading "kaiin kinen" with clinic name; polished gold collar band at shoulder; includes original tomobako (wooden storage box) with brushwork inscription "kabin" and artist seal; tissue-lined interior
• Dimensions: 6"W x 6"D x 8 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete vintage Japanese bronze kabin -- rich in provenance, artisan detail, and the timeless warmth of handcrafted Japanese metalwork.

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.