Large bronze vase 'Hope' by Yasumi II NAKAJIMA

The vase is cast in the form of a stylised tulip bud. From the bud rises a slender, elongated neck that ends in an everted rim. This vase form is known as kibo, meaning "hope". It is in excellent condition with minimal wear. The vase comes with a wood tomobako. The top of the cover is inscribed "Bronze hope flower vase", and the inside of the cover is signed Yasumi and bears the artist's seal.

NAKAJIMA Yasumi II is the art name of NAKAJIMA Mitsuo (1905–1986). He was born into a family of accomplished artisans in Osaka and trained under his father, NAKAJIMA Toyoji (Yasumi I), whom he succeeded as the second generation. He was a member of the All Japan Decorative Art Association and exhibited at the leading exhibitions of his time, including the Nitten, the Shin-Bunten and the Hoshukuten, where he received numerous awards. His work is marked by bold, sculptural forms, fluid lines and a lustrous chestnut-brown patina.