Vintage Japanese Celadon Chushi "注子" Sake Pouring Vessel, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-127-1

Japanese Celadon Chushi Sake Pouring Vessel | Koryo-Style Ceramic Sake Container, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-127-1

A richly carved celadon chushi sake pouring vessel in the Koryo style, presented in its original signed wooden storage box.

A chushi 注子 is a traditional Japanese pouring vessel used for sake, often serving as an intermediate container for transferring sake into smaller sake bottles or serving vessels. This vintage Japanese ceramic chushi dates to the Late Showa period (1966-1989) and is crafted in a Koryo celadon revival style, reflecting Japan’s long appreciation for classical Korean celadon ware. Rather than being a flower vase, this piece was made as a refined sake vessel, combining ceremonial function with collectible ceramic artistry.

The form features a full rounded body tapering toward a graceful flared neck, covered in a soft sage-green celadon glaze. The surface is richly decorated with carved and incised relief work: an overall pattern of overlapping petal or scale-like forms surrounds a central rounded medallion with delicately rendered chrysanthemum sprays on trailing stems. Bands of carved lotus petals encircle the shoulder and base, while the flared mouth and exposed unglazed foot ring reveal the warm stoneware body beneath. An artist’s mark is brushed in ink on the foot, and the piece retains its original signed kiri wood tomobako storage box, adding collector appeal and provenance.

In a traditional setting, this chushi would have been used as a sake pouring vessel, especially for transferring sake into smaller bottles or serving containers. In a modern home, it works beautifully as a collectible piece of sake ware, a ceramic display object, or a refined accent for a dining room, bar cabinet, entryway console, or display shelf. Its luminous celadon glaze, carved decoration, and sculptural form pair naturally with Japandi interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetics, traditional Japanese decor, and collections of East Asian ceramics.

Origin: Japan
Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
Material: Stoneware with celadon glaze; carved and incised decoration; unglazed foot ring; kiri wood tomobako storage box
Use: Chushi 注子 -- sake pouring vessel used to transfer sake into smaller sake bottles or serving vessels
Modern Use: Collectible sake ware display; dining room or bar cabinet accent; decorative ceramic vessel; display piece for Japandi or wabi-sabi interiors
Features: Rounded body with flared neck; soft sage-green celadon glaze; carved petal or scale-like ground pattern; central medallion with incised chrysanthemum spray motif; carved lotus petal bands at shoulder and base; exposed unglazed foot ring; ink artist’s mark on foot; original signed tomobako wooden storage box included
Dimensions: 7"W x 8"D x 11"H
Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved Japanese celadon chushi -- a refined sake vessel whose luminous glaze, carved motifs, and classical East Asian form bring quiet elegance and ceramic tradition to any modern collection.

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 and antique 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.