Vintage Japanese Bronze Usubata Ikebana Vessel, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0709

Vintage Japanese Bronze Usubata Ikebana Vessel, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0709

A rare cast bronze usubata with wide flat water tray -- an elegant ikebana vessel steeped in the refined tradition of Japanese flower arranging.

An usubata is a traditional Japanese ikebana vessel consisting of a deep urn-shaped body paired with a wide, flat circular tray -- called the usubata plate -- that seats over the mouth of the vase. This broad tray holds water and supports the arranger's kenzan (flower frog), allowing cut stems to fan out in the low, spreading compositions favored by classical ikebana schools such as Ikenobo. This example is cast in bronze and displays a deeply layered patina of dark brown, rich red, and traces of verdigris -- the natural aging of quality cast bronze over decades. The broad ribbed body flows upward into a decorated shoulder zone, where faceted relief panels imitating brocade textile are encircled by a cast rope motif tied with pendant tassels -- details executed with the precision of a skilled Japanese metalwork artisan. A maker's seal is stamped on the recessed base, as yet unattributed but consistent with quality foundry production of the early Showa period. The handwritten dealer tag affixed to this piece reads "usubata," confirming the vessel type.

In a modern home, this usubata makes a commanding living room accent or entryway statement piece -- its sculptural silhouette and warm bronze tones reading beautifully against both Japandi style interiors and wabi-sabi aesthetic spaces. Display it on a low credenza or alcove shelf with a simple seasonal branch arrangement to honor its original ikebana purpose, or simply use it as a dramatic standalone decorative object. The generous usubata tray can also serve as an elevated fruit bowl or a vessel for displaying river stones and botanicals on a dining room sideboard. A truly distinctive gift for collectors of Japanese vintage art or for Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese metalwork with living history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Cast bronze with dark brown, red, and verdigris patina
• Use: Ikebana flower arranging vessel; the wide flat usubata tray seats over the mouth to hold water and support floral compositions
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent with seasonal botanicals; elevated display tray for stones or fruit on a sideboard; sculptural statement piece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interior
• Features: Wide flat bronze usubata tray fitting over the vase mouth; horizontally ribbed urn-shaped body; faceted relief shoulder panels with brocade-style surface texture; cast rope-and-tassel motif encircling the shoulder; rich layered patina with red and green oxidation; maker's seal stamped on base
• Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 12 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A distinguished piece of Japanese vintage metalwork -- handcrafted with artisan precision and aged to perfection, bringing the quiet beauty of ikebana tradition into any modern home.

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.