Antique Japanese Signed Usubata Bronze Ikebana Flower Vase Pine Plum Bamboo

This is an antique Japanese late Taisho Era (c. 1925) bronze Usubata (Ikebana flower vase). This vase was used in a tokonoma (alcove in a traditional Japanese home) to display flowers. It is made of a heavy bronze and has a thick cast design of the Japananese three elements of happiness - pine, bamboo and plum blossom( shochikubai). The round part of the body is in the shape of a plum blossom (see picture 10). The side handles are in the form of pine bows (see picture 8), and the upper section is in the shape of a bamboo section (see picture 9), signed on the bottom by the Japanese bronze artist, Nakamitsu. (see picture 6)

It has a strong tri pod footing (see picture 11). The large top part easily separates from the base vase. Typically the top is taken to a place where flowers are arranged and then taken to the tokonoma where the base has awaits.

This vase measures 13" in diameter across the removable top by 10" tall (33 x 25 cm). With exception to a dark aged patina, this bronze usubata remains infine condition. Quite a heavy piece of bronze artwork at 12 1/2 pounds.

A beautiful way to display any kind of flower arrangement.