Vintage Japanese Bronze Koi Vase, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0794

Vintage Japanese Bronze Koi Vase, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0794

A finely cast vintage Japanese bronze koi vase -- a striking sculptural vessel combining naturalistic artistry with symbolic meaning.

A koi-form bronze vase is a traditional Japanese decorative object in which the body of a leaping carp is rendered in cast bronze, with the fish's open mouth serving as the vessel aperture. The koi (carp) is one of the most potent symbols in Japanese culture, representing perseverance, good fortune, and strength -- rooted in the legend of the carp that leaps the waterfall to become a dragon. This vintage Japanese bronze sculpture captures that dynamism beautifully: the fish surges upward with realistic overlapping scales, finely detailed fins, and a bold wide-eyed expression, while the wave-splash base incorporates a smaller companion fish emerging from frothy, finger-like ripples of water. A partially legible artist seal is visible on the reverse, consistent with mid-Showa decorative bronzeware traditions. The rich dark brown patina -- with warmer amber highlights visible at the gill fins -- speaks to decades of careful aging and reflects the wabi-sabi aesthetic prized by collectors of Japanese vintage art.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese bronze koi vase functions equally as a decorative sculpture and as a working flower vessel for a single stem or minimalist ikebana arrangement. Displayed on a living room shelf, entry console, or home office desk, it makes an immediate statement -- its vertical thrust and intricate surface detail drawing the eye from across the room. Its compact footprint suits a Japandi-style interior or a curated collector's display alongside ceramics and lacquerware. For gift-givers, it is an exceptional and unique housewarming gift or a meaningful present for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate vintage Japanese craft at its most inventive.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Cast bronze with dark brown patina and warmer highlights at the fins
• Use: Decorative vase or sculptural display object; open-mouth aperture suitable for a single stem or small floral arrangement
• Modern Use: Living room accent sculpture; minimalist ikebana or single-stem flower vase; collector's display piece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Upright leaping koi form with finely cast overlapping scales and articulated fins; open mouth forms the vase neck; dynamic wave-splash base with secondary fish figure; partially legible artist seal on reverse; rich aged patina throughout
• Dimensions: 6 1/2"W x 4 1/4"D x 8 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A compelling piece of vintage Japanese bronze art -- where centuries of symbolic tradition meet the skilled hand of a mid-Showa craftsman.

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.