Vase in a narrow baluster form ornamented with repeating triangular reserves and at the shoulder with a series of small, round discs. Of cast bronze, inlaid in silver and yellow bronze. Signed on the reverse on an inlaid silver tablet with a chiseled signature by the artist: Eiichi Saku or Made by Eiichi (Kanamori Eiichi, 1908 – 2001). Showa era, circa 1950.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Seido Nunome Zogan Kabin, Ichi or Blue Bronze Vase (with) Nunome Inlay; and on the reverse of the lid: Koryo, Eiichi Saku or Takaoka (City), Made by Eiichi, and sealed: Kanamori. Included in the box is a pamphlet dated to Showa 25 or 1950 describing the founding of a school for the teaching of metal arts in Takaoka and the tradition of bronze work in Takaoka, so it may be surmised that this vase dates from circa 1950.

Born in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Kanamori Eiichi graduated from the Metalworking Department of the Toyama Prefectural Industrial Arts School. He studied under Ichihei Uchijima. Eiichi was first accepted as an exhibitor nationally at the 14th Teiten in 1933. In 1936, he showed at both the Kaiso Dai Ikkai Teiten and the Bunten Kansaten, then in 1940 at the Hoshukuten and in 1941 at the 4th Shin-Bunten. After the Pacific War, he continued to exhibit frequently at the Nitten, including at the 1st – 3rd in 1946 – 1947, at the 6th – 9th in 1950 – 1953, and at the 12th in 1956. He taught at the Takaoka Industrial Arts High School between 1941 and 1966. In 1976, he received the Japan Industrial Art Association Governor’s Award, and in 1980, he received an Order of the Sacred Treasure Award from the Emperor. In 1989, Eiichi was designated Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Important Intangible Cultural Asset (commonly known as a Living National Treasure).