This striking enameled presentation vase was issued in September 1962 in honor of legendary pitcher Masaichi Kaneda, one of the most dominant figures in Japanese baseball history and a member of the Hall of Fame.

The vase commemorates Kaneda’s extraordinary achievements at that time, including his record 3,509 career strikeouts and his twelve consecutive seasons of 20 or more wins, an unprecedented feat.

The vase is displayed on its original wooden base; however, it is not permanently attached and can be removed. The wood stand retains its original metal plaque, which reads (translated):

Presented to Ms. Sumiko Katsuki.
Pitcher Masaichi Kaneda – record 3,509 strikeouts.
Achievement: 12 consecutive seasons of 20+ wins.
September 1962.
Swallows – Masaichi Kaneda.

Most remarkably, the body of the vase itself is not plain. When viewed at an angle, a subtle, embedded silhouette of Kaneda in his pitching motion appears beneath the glossy glaze, making this a true portrait presentation piece rather than a generic ceremonial vessel.

The inscription identifies the recipient as Sumiko  Katsuki (?????). While the exact relationship is undocumented, a Japanese source has suggested that “Katsuki” may have been a professional or stage name associated with the flower-arranging world, raising the possibility that Kaneda was supported or honored through a cultural patron or artistic circle. This remains a compelling but unconfirmed interpretation.

Kaneda would later extend his record to fourteen consecutive 20-win seasons and retire with 4,490 career strikeouts, one of the most enduring records in professional baseball.

This is a rare, museum-level ceremonial artifact with a direct and deeply personal connection to one of Japan’s greatest baseball legends.

Size: Vase--7 1/8" tall, 3 5/8" diameter. Vase with stand--9" tall.

Condition: The vase has some wear at the rim, otherwise perfect. Wood Stand--Ex.