Harada Minekumo 原田峯雲 – Japan 日本 – 45.5cm Rectangular Solid Bronze Suiban 長方形 青銅製水盤

Harada Minekumo 原田峯雲 – Japan 日本 – 45.5cm Rectangular Solid Bronze Suiban 長方形 青銅製水盤

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Region: Japan 日本
Workshop: Harada Minekumo 原田峯雲
Metalworker: Harada Minekumo 原田峯雲

An artisan-made Japanese rectangular Suiban 水盤, traditionally cast in solid bronze 青銅 and displaying a beautifully matured antique surface.

The vessel has substantial, well-balanced proportions, with gently rounded corners, subtly curved lower walls and a broad outward-projecting rolled lip. Beneath the upper rim is an elaborate, continuous decorative band extending around all four sides.

The raised ornamentation features symmetrical scrolling vine and foliage motifs 唐草文, arranged around a central fruit-, seed- or heart-shaped form. Beneath the prominent relief decoration, the entire band is enriched with an exceptionally fine incised geometric scroll ground, reminiscent of traditional thunder-pattern ornament 雷文. This delicate underlying pattern adds remarkable depth and texture, while the warm golden-bronze highlights contrast beautifully with the darker aged surface.

The Suiban is supported by four highly ornate pierced corner feet, formed with deeply modelled scrolls, curling foliage and openwork decoration. Their elaborate sculptural construction gives the vessel a powerful, elevated stance while maintaining an elegant and balanced appearance.

The interior is deep and gently stepped towards the base, providing a generous presentation area suitable for a formal suiseki 水石 display, seasonal grasses, aquatic arrangements or other traditional Japanese display compositions.

The solid bronze surface has developed a rich dark-brown and reddish-brown patina 古色 over many decades. Natural areas of green verdigris 緑青, mineral deposits and subtle surface variation remain visible, particularly within the interior, contributing greatly to its authentic aged character and visual depth.

The underside retains a rectangular applied maker’s plaque bearing the name Minekumo 峯雲, identifying the work of Harada Minekumo.

A substantial and exceptionally decorative Japanese bronze Suiban, combining strong architectural proportions, finely layered ornamentation and highly elaborate pierced feet. The refined combination of raised karakusa decoration, minute geometric engraving and naturally developed patina creates a powerful yet harmonious sense of balance.

External dimensions: 45.5 x 29.2 x 11.2cm
Internal dimensions: 43.3 x 27.0 x 8.0cm

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Condition: Excellent antique condition, with natural patina, verdigris, mineral deposits, surface marks and age-related wear consistent with its age and traditional use.

Collector’s Note:

Harada Minekumo 原田峯雲 was a highly regarded Japanese metalworker specialising in cast-bronze Suiban for bonsai and suiseki display. The best-documented maker associated with the name is the second-generation Harada Minekumo 二代原田峯雲, who lived from 1898 to 1973 and learned the traditional lost-wax casting technique 蝋型鋳造 from his father.

He became particularly respected for finely proportioned bronze vessels, controlled casting, sophisticated surface finishing and richly developed patina. His work was closely connected with the Japanese bonsai and suiseki world, where his Suiban were valued for their refinement, thinly cast construction and suitability for formal stone display.

Minekumo is also associated with individually produced lost-wax bronze casting, sometimes described as 蝋型一点流し込み鋳銅, in which the wax model was used to create a single cast work. Earlier individually cast examples are regarded by collectors as especially desirable, although later works and pieces produced from established Minekumo designs are also known.

During the Showa period, demand for his Suiban increased considerably, and Japanese specialists sometimes distinguish individually cast early works 一番抜き from later mould-derived examples 後作. Precise dating and attribution should therefore be approached carefully and considered alongside the construction, casting quality, surface finish, signature plaque, and documented provenance.

Harada Minekumo remains recognised among collectors as one of Japan’s distinguished makers of bronze Suiban, and is sometimes referred to in Japan as the “magician of Suiban” 水盤の魔術師.