Vase in the form of a stylized snail. Of cast bronze with a cloudy red benido patination. Signed on the reverse with a chiseled signature by the artist: Yasumi (Yasumi II, a go or art name used by Nakajima Mitsuo, who also used the name of Nakajima Yoshio, 1906 – 1988). Showa era, circa 1955 – 1960.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Chudo Katatsumori Kabin or Cast Bronze Snail Vase, and then signed: Yasumi, and sealed.

Three generations of the Yasumi family were metal artists working in Osaka. All favored the medium of seido or richly colored purple-red bronze. Nakajima Mitsuo exhibited widely, including at the Shin-Bunten, Hoshukuten and after the Pacific War at the Nitten. An elegant play of curving lines and bold, sculptural forms characterize Yasumi II’s work.