Vase in a horizontal ovoid form set on a truncated conical base, the upper section ornamented with three reserves: one with a large cactus, another with a cactus flower, and the third with two butterflies; the balance of the vase with abstract geometric designs. The base of hammered shibuichi or silver-bronze inlaid with vertical silver lines, the top of hammered silver inlaid with shakudo and shibuichi in kiribame zogan technique, with silvered and gilt details. Signed on the reverse with a chiseled signature by the artist: Yoshishige (Teramoto Yoshishige, born in Taisho 5 or 1916). Showa 34 or 1959.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Nitten Tokusen, Kiribame Zogan Saboten Mon Kabin or Nitten (Exhibition) Grand Prize (Winner), Pierce-work Inlay Prickly Pear Cactus Design Vase; and on the reverse of the lid dated and signed: Showa San-ju Yon Nen Chushu Kore wo Tsukuru, Teramoto Yoshishige Saku or Made in Showa (era) 34th Year Mid-Autumn by Teramoto Yoshishige, and sealed: Shige.

This vase is illustrated in the Nittenshi, volume 22, page 246, number 203.

The metal artist Teramoto Yoshishige worked in Kyoto and specialized in hammering and inlay techniques. He studied metal arts in Kyoto and traveled to Europe to widen his artistic education. He first participated in a government-sponsored exhibition with the Hoshukuten in 1940, returning to the 5th and 6th Shin-Bunten in 1942 and 1943. After the Pacific War, he returned to the national exhibitions with the 4th Nitten in 1948, thereafter exhibiting frequently. He became a regent and judge for the Nitten and was also accorded mukansa or non-vetted status at the exhibition. His work won many prizes, including the Prime Minister’s Prize as well as the tokusen or grand prize, for this vase at the 1959 Nitten. He also exhibited at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition).