Vintage Japanese Yakishime Stoneware Vase, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-789-2

Vintage Japanese Yakishime Stoneware Vase, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-789-2

A masterwork of unglazed Japanese stoneware, fired in the ancient yakishime tradition and accompanied by its original signed wooden box.

A yakishime vase is a type of Japanese stoneware fired at high temperature without glaze, relying entirely on the natural chemistry of clay, ash, and flame to produce its surface character. This bottle-form vase -- known in Japanese as a tokkuri-gata or tsubo-gata -- rises from a generously rounded belly through a long, gracefully tapered neck to a subtly flared lip. Its unglazed surface tells the full story of the kiln: deep iron-red sweeps across the shoulder and body, dissolving into zones of dark charcoal and warm golden-brown where wood ash settled and fused during the firing. This is the essence of wabi-sabi aesthetics -- beauty born from the unpredictable forces of fire, clay, and time. The piece is accompanied by a signed kiri (paulownia) wooden box, known as a tomobako, bearing the artist's brushed inscription and red seal, confirming this as a documented studio work by a named ceramicist. Pieces sold with a tomobako are among the most collectible in the Japanese craft tradition.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese stoneware vase is a statement piece that needs no adornment. Display it solo on a living room shelf or entry console as a sculptural accent that embodies Japandi style and wabi-sabi minimalism. It holds a single stem or a spare arrangement of dried grasses beautifully, making it ideal for ikebana-inspired flower display. Its earthy tones and tactile, unglazed surface complement natural materials -- linen, raw wood, stone -- found in minimalist decor and mid-century modern interiors alike. A truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics or Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Unglazed stoneware (yakishime), with natural ash deposits from wood-fired kiln; tomobako in kiri (paulownia) wood
• Use: Flower vase; decorative display vessel; tokonoma (alcove) accent piece
• Modern Use: Living room sculptural accent; ikebana or dried-flower vase; Japandi-style shelf or entryway display
• Features: Rounded teardrop body with long tapered neck and flared rim; rich natural fire coloration in iron-red, charcoal, and ash-gold tones; fully unglazed yakishime surface with flame markings; includes original signed tomobako (artist's wooden box) with brushed inscription and red seal
• Dimensions: 5" Diameter x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare signed piece of vintage Japanese yakishime ceramics -- where the ancient art of the wood-fired kiln meets the quiet elegance of wabi-sabi, ready to bring warmth and depth to any modern interior.

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.