Vintage Japanese Ceramic Hana-ike Flower Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0562-9

Vintage Japanese Ceramic Hana-ike Flower Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0562-9

A boldly sculpted studio ceramic hana-ike with white drip glaze, jagged crown rim, and twisted interior crossbar -- offered with its original signed tomobako storage box.

A hana-ike is a traditional Japanese flower vase designed specifically for ikebana -- the refined art of flower arranging that emphasizes negative space, asymmetry, and the living quality of cut stems. This exceptional handcrafted Japanese ceramic vessel embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic at its most expressive. The lower body is left entirely unglazed, its iron-rich stoneware clay textured to evoke rough tree bark or weathered stone, grounding the piece in the natural world. From this raw base, a white drip glaze cascades freely down the sides in bold, uneven rivulets, pooling and feathering at the glaze line with the spontaneous energy that defines the finest Japanese studio pottery. The rim is cut and torn into an irregular crown of jagged peaks -- a deliberate sculptural choice evoking the silhouette of a living landscape. Small applied knobs punctuate the exterior, and a twisted rope-form ceramic crossbar spans the mouth of the vessel, both a functional aid for positioning stems and a striking decorative element in its own right. Kiln spur marks on the flat unglazed base confirm traditional firing methods. The piece is accompanied by a signed wooden tomobako storage box bearing brushwork inscription and an artist seal, consistent with late Showa-era studio ceramic presentation.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ceramic vase is far more than a flower vessel -- it is a standalone work of art. Display it on a living room shelf or mantelpiece as a sculptural accent in a wabi-sabi or Japandi style interior, with or without botanicals. Fill it with a single dried branch, pampas grass stems, or a loose arrangement of wildflowers for an effortlessly curated entryway or dining table centerpiece. Its compact proportions and dramatic visual texture also make it a striking gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to handcrafted objects with genuine character. The included tomobako adds collector value and makes the presentation feel complete.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Iron-rich stoneware with white drip glaze over unglazed textured lower body; unglazed flat base with kiln spur marks
• Use: Ikebana flower arranging vessel (hana-ike); decorative display
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway sculptural accent; ikebana or dried botanical display; unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics
• Features: Irregular jagged crown rim; twisted rope-form ceramic crossbar spanning the mouth; small applied knob details on exterior; bold white drip glaze over heavily textured bark-style unglazed body; signed wooden tomobako storage box with brushwork inscription and artist seal included
• Dimensions: 9"W x 8"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A compelling piece of vintage Japanese studio ceramic art -- raw, sculptural, and alive with the wabi-sabi spirit that makes handcrafted Japanese ceramics so enduringly sought after.

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.