Vintage Japanese Hana-ike Ceramic Flower Vase, Heisei era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26J-0801-2

Vintage Japanese Hana-ike Ceramic Flower Vase, Heisei era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26J-0801-2

A striking studio ceramic hana-ike combining raw, mottled glaze with a bold yellow enamel panel -- handcrafted Japanese ceramic art at its most expressive.

A hana-ike is a traditional Japanese flower vase intended for ikebana floral arrangement or purely decorative display. This tall bottle-form example rises from a broad, egg-shaped body through a long, gracefully tapering neck to a gently flared rim -- a silhouette deeply rooted in Japanese ceramic tradition. The surface is divided into two contrasting zones: a mottled, rough-textured glaze in muted grey-brown tones covers most of the body and neck, lending an earthy, wabi-sabi quality reminiscent of natural stone. Cutting across the widest part of the body, a wavy-edged panel of glossy amber-yellow enamel frames hand-painted leaf and floral motifs in deep brown and near-black -- bold, graphic forms that recall autumn foliage. The unglazed white footrim bears a red artist's mark in romaji, and the piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (wooden storage box), whose brushed inscription reads "gin-sai hana-ike" -- referencing a silver-style glaze technique -- along with a location reference to Saga and a red artist seal, strongly suggesting the work of a named studio ceramicist from the Kyushu region.

In a modern home, this hana-ike works beautifully as a living room accent piece -- displayed solo on a shelf, sideboard, or entry console where its dramatic two-tone surface can be fully appreciated. Its slender, upright form makes it an ideal bud vase for a single stem or a spare ikebana arrangement, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic to a bedroom or home office. Collectors of vintage Japanese craft and Japanophiles will find it a compelling addition to any curated display; it also makes a unique housewarming gift for anyone drawn to Japandi style or handcrafted Japanese ceramics.

• Origin: Japan, likely Kyushu region (Saga area)
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Stoneware or porcelain body; mottled stone-finish glaze over most of the surface; glossy amber-yellow enamel panel with painted floral motifs; unglazed white footrim with red artist mark in romaji
• Use: Hana-ike -- flower vase for ikebana arrangements or decorative display
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway accent vase; bud vase for a single stem or minimalist ikebana; decorative shelf or sideboard display piece
• Features: Tall bottle form with long narrow neck and flared rim; wavy-edged yellow enamel panel with hand-painted leaf and floral motifs in dark brown; contrasting mottled rough-textured glaze body; red artist mark on footrim; includes original tomobako wooden storage box with brushed inscription and red seal
• Dimensions: 5"W x 5"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A bold and beautifully crafted piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- the hana-ike that brings wabi-sabi warmth and studio artistry 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.