Portalápices de bronce de Takaoka firmado Ōmine-zō, con un niño y gorriones sobre el tronco de un árbol, finales de la era Shōwa

Childhood curiosity and birdsong meet on the writing desk in this late Shōwa Takaoka bronze: a young child and a flutter of sparrows gather around a hollow trunk that doubles as the pen holder. Warmly patinated and signed 大峰造 (Ōmine-zō) beneath, it is functional metalwork made with a poet's eye.

The Piece

This finely cast bronze pen stand presents a gentle narrative of childhood curiosity and the natural world, rendered with the quiet refinement characteristic of Takaoka metalwork. A hollowed tree trunk rises from a circular base to serve as the pen receptacle, while a young child and sparrows bring warmth and subtle movement to the composition.

The balance between functional form and narrative detail reflects a long Japanese tradition of elevating everyday desk objects into contemplative art. The sparrows, perched lightly on the tree branch, introduce a seasonal and poetic motif long associated with playfulness and harmony in Japanese visual culture, and the child's posture and expression convey motion without exaggeration, keeping the piece calm and dignified despite its figurative richness.

Executed in bronze with a softly aged patina of warm brown, the surface shows careful hand-finishing and a restrained approach to detail. The underside bears the cast signature 大峰造 (Ōmine-zō), the name of a known workshop or artist used in bronze production, anchoring the object within Japan's Takaoka casting lineage. Compact in scale yet rich in presence, it bridges function and narrative artistry on a writing desk or in a collection of Japanese metalwork.

Details

• Maker: Signed 大峰造 (Ōmine-zō); Takaoka casting
• Era: Late Shōwa era (approx. mid-20th century)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Cast bronze
• Color: Warm brown bronze
• Measurements: Diameter approx. 8 cm · Height approx. 6.5 cm
• Classification: Vintage
• Condition rank: Very Good

Condition

Very good vintage condition, with light age-related wear consistent with gentle use that adds to the tactile appeal of the bronze.

Authenticity & Care

Cast signature 大峰造 (Ōmine-zō) on the underside, a workshop or artist name associated with Takaoka bronze casting. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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