Japanese Bronze Commemorative Vase, Tomakomai Iwasaki Unyu, Dragon Handle

Japanese Bronze Commemorative Vase – A Piece of Corporate History

This distinctive Japanese bronze vessel is more than a decorative object. Its original engraved plaque records a specific moment in Japanese business history:

苫小牧営業所開設記念
Tomakomai Sales Office Opening Commemoration

岩崎運輸
Iwasaki Un'yu

The inscription indicates that the vessel was created as a commemorative object connected with the establishment of an Iwasaki Un'yu sales office in Tomakomai, Hokkaido.

Traditional Bronze Form & Dragon Handles

The vessel features a traditional-inspired ceremonial form with a broad body, narrow waist, flared rim, and sculptural dragon-head handles.

The raised geometric and archaic-style decoration gives the surface the appearance of an object influenced by traditional East Asian bronze vessel design, while the dark reddish-brown bronze finish gives it a warm, aged character.

The dragon-head handles add a distinctly Japanese decorative element, combining symbolism, craftsmanship, and functional form.

The Meaning of the Inscription

The most important feature is the original metal plaque attached to the base.

苫小牧営業所開設記念 literally refers to a commemoration of the opening or establishment of a Tomakomai sales office.

岩崎運輸 identifies the associated company as Iwasaki Un'yu.

Rather than being a generic decorative vase, this makes the piece a tangible record of a particular corporate event — a small object preserving the history of Japanese business, transportation, and regional expansion.

A Distinctive Japanese Collectible

Corporate commemorative objects were produced to mark important milestones such as office openings, anniversaries, achievements, and organizational events. Many were presented privately and were never intended for ordinary retail circulation.

This piece is especially interesting because the commemorative purpose remains identifiable through its original plaque.

A compelling choice for collectors of:

• Japanese bronze and metalwork
• Showa-era decorative arts
• Japanese corporate memorabilia
• Transportation and logistics history
• Dragon-themed Japanese objects
• Vintage Japanese interior objects
• East Asian ceremonial vessel forms