Japanese Vintage Turned Keyaki Wood Ikebana Vase with Bamboo-Inspired Form

Artist: Signed (unidentified)
Title: Turned Keyaki Wood Ikebana Vase with Bamboo-Inspired Form
Medium: Turned and lacquered keyaki (Japanese zelkova) with removable metal flower insert
Date: c. 1960s–1980s
Dimensions: Approx. 30 cm high (please confirm)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Light, age-appropriate surface wear. Metal flower insert present. No cracks or structural issues observed.
Signed: Yes (seal mark on underside)

Notes:
This elegant turned wood vase transforms one of Japan's most celebrated native hardwoods into a sculptural object that bridges traditional craftsmanship and modern design. Carefully turned from what appears to be richly grained keyaki (Japanese zelkova), the vessel echoes the rhythm of bamboo culms while celebrating the dramatic cathedral grain and warm amber colour unique to the wood itself.

Rather than carving literal bamboo, the maker has abstracted its proportions into a refined contemporary silhouette. Shallow incised rings divide the form into rhythmic sections, while the gentle flare at both ends gives the vase a quiet architectural presence. The natural grain becomes the decoration, enhanced by a transparent finish that reveals the character of the timber.

A removable metal insert allows the vase to hold water, making it suitable for displaying a single flower or seasonal branch in the spirit of Japanese ikebana. Even empty, it functions beautifully as a sculptural object whose clean lines complement both modern and traditional interiors.

The underside bears the artist's seal, adding another indication that this was produced as a quality studio craft object rather than a mass-produced decorative piece.

Notes:
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