Japan – Wall vase (kake-hanaire) in the shape of a bat, wrought iron inlaid with silver, Ryūbundō workshop (龍文堂), Meiji–Taishō period

A small Japanese wall vase intended for alcoves (tokonoma) and ikebana, designed to be hung thanks to an opening on the back. The composition depicts a bat with outstretched wings, rendered in relief with a dynamic and deliberately graphic modeling, somewhere between sculpture and functional object.

The body is crafted from wrought iron with silver inlays highlighting the ribs and edges, a decorative style reminiscent of the inlay techniques used on sword hilts and guards, here transposed to an interior object. Once hung, the object can hold flowers and also functions as a standalone decorative piece, even without floral arrangements.

Signature and tomobako

The original box (tomobako) bears an inscription mentioning Ryūbundō (龍文堂) and the term hanaire (花入, "flower vase").

Rarity and interest

Ryūbundō productions are best known in the field of tea utensils, particularly cast iron kettles. A figurative metal kake-hanaire , moreover featuring a bat motif and embellished with inlays, is considerably less common.

The bat motif, highly valued in the Far East as a sign of good fortune, further reinforces the object's dimension.

State

In good condition, with a homogeneous patina and slight traces of use consistent with its age.

Dimensions: height 11.5 cm; width 9 cm; depth 3.2 cm.