Vintage Japanese Haizara (Ash Dish) in Unglazed Stoneware with Tomobako, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-072-2

Vintage Japanese Haizara (Ash Dish) in Unglazed Stoneware with Tomobako, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-072-2

A sculptor's haizara in unglazed stoneware -- globular, flame-kissed, and alive with the wabi-sabi spirit of Mid Showa studio ceramics.

A haizara is a traditional Japanese ash dish or ashtray, and this handcrafted example elevates a purely utilitarian object into a small work of art. Formed from warm terracotta-toned stoneware clay, the body is thrown into a generous, almost spherical silhouette that sits low and stable. The rim is sculpted into a gently lobed, flower-petal opening -- a refined detail that sets it firmly in the tradition of Japanese craft pottery rather than mass production. The exterior surface tells its own story: broad, flowing bands of grey-blue kiln shadow sweep across the orange-red clay, the natural result of wood or anagama firing where flame and ash leave their unpredictable marks. Visible throwing lines and subtle tool marks confirm that every surface was shaped by hand. The piece comes with its original signed wooden tomobako (presentation box), indicating it was made by a named studio potter and collected as an art object from the time of its creation. The interior reveals a smooth, darkened well with a centred spiral from the wheel -- evidence of confident, skilled throwing.

Today this vintage Japanese haizara translates beautifully into everyday modern living far beyond its original purpose. Set it on a living room accent shelf or coffee table as a sculptural object in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior -- its earthy tones and organic form need no adornment. It works equally well as a small incense holder or catch-all dish on a home office desk or bedside table, corralling rings, paper clips, or small trinkets with quiet elegance. The compact palm-sized scale makes it an ideal unique gift for collectors of Japanese craft pottery, or a memorable housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handmade ceramic art. Displayed alongside other studio pottery or natural-material objects, it anchors a minimalist decor arrangement with warmth and authenticity.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Unglazed stoneware clay with natural flame and ash markings from kiln firing
• Use: Haizara -- traditional Japanese ash dish or ashtray; presented in signed tomobako as a studio ceramic art object
• Modern Use: Sculptural living room accent or wabi-sabi decor object; incense holder or small catch-all dish for desk or bedside table; unique gift for collectors of Japanese craft pottery
• Features: Globular hand-thrown form with lobed flower-petal rim; broad kiln-fired flame shadow in grey-blue over orange-red clay; visible throwing lines and tool marks; smooth darkened interior with centred spiral; comes with original signed wooden tomobako (presentation box)
• Dimensions: 4" Diameter x 4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly extraordinary piece of vintage Japanese craft pottery -- earthy, hand-fired, and signed -- that brings the wabi-sabi aesthetic of the studio ceramic tradition into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.