Vintage Japanese Porcelain Hana-ike Flower Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0322

Vintage Japanese Porcelain Hana-ike Flower Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0322

A hand-painted porcelain hana-ike with iron-brown grass motif, signed and presented in its original artist's wooden box

A hana-ike is a traditional Japanese flower vase intended for the mindful display of cut flowers or seasonal botanicals, often used in the practice of ikebana -- the Japanese art of flower arrangement. This gently tapered cylindrical vase is finished in a soft cream glaze and decorated with freely brushed iron-brown strokes evoking tall grass or river reeds, a motif drawn from Japan's long tradition of nature-inspired ceramic painting. The hand-painted quality of the brushwork, loose and confident in a single pass, reflects the wabi-sabi aesthetic that prizes natural imperfection and quiet elegance over rigid symmetry. A hand-painted blue underglaze artist cipher on the unglazed foot confirms this as a signed studio piece rather than a factory production. The vase retains its original kiri wood tomobako (artist's storage box), inscribed with the item's name and signed with the artist's name "Giichi" and a red inkan seal -- a hallmark of Japanese craft presentation that adds significant collectible value to this vintage Japanese ceramic.

Today, this compact and beautifully proportioned hana-ike works effortlessly as a living room accent or bedroom decor piece, displayed with a single stem, a sprig of dried pampas grass, or left beautifully empty on a shelf. Its neutral cream palette and organic motif complement Japandi style interiors, minimalist decor, and wabi-sabi-inspired spaces alike. At just 4 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall, it fits neatly on a windowsill, side table, or bathroom ledge, bringing a whisper of Japanese studio craft into everyday surroundings. It makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese art in a living space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Porcelain with cream glaze and iron-brown overglaze brushwork; blue underglaze artist cipher on base
• Use: Hana-ike -- flower vase for cut flowers or ikebana arrangements
• Modern Use: Ikebana or single-stem display vase; living room or bedroom decorative accent; minimalist shelf or windowsill decor
• Features: Softly tapered cylindrical form with slightly waisted profile; freely brushed grass or reed motif in iron brown; hand-painted blue artist cipher on foot; includes original signed kiri wood tomobako with ink inscription and red inkan seal attributed to artist "Giichi"
• Dimensions: 4"Diameter x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly refined piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- handcrafted, signed, and presented with all the care and ceremony that defines the finest Japanese studio tradition.

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.