TAKANO RYOICHI: A FINE BRONZE VASE WITH A FROG AND BAMBOO By Takano Ryoichi (born 1907), signed Shizan Japan, Takaoka, Toyama prefecture, first half of 20th century The tall and slender body rising from a short waisted foot to a short waisted neck with everted rim, the front boldly decorated in relief with a small frog perched on a bamboo stalk, with a second bamboo stalk and leaves, the recessed base signed SHIZAN. HEIGHT 27 cm WEIGHT 987.5 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches, the neck and rim with a small dent. Provenance: German private collection, acquired before 2007. Shizan was the go (art name) for Takano Ryoichi who lived in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. He started his career at the beginning of the Showa era and won several prizes in craft exhibitions. Auction comparison: Compare a related bronze baluster vase with a dragon by the same artist, but of larger size (34 cm high), at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2016, London, lot 522 (sold for 3,125 GBP).