Vintage Japanese Porcelain Tsubo Vase with Pomegranate Motif, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0324-2

Vintage Japanese Porcelain Tsubo Vase with Pomegranate Motif, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0324-2

A hand-painted red-glazed porcelain vase bearing an auspicious pomegranate motif in silver and gold overglaze, accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

A tsubo-style vase is a rounded, globular Japanese ceramic vessel traditionally used for floral display or as a standalone decorative object in the tokonoma -- the formal display alcove found in traditional Japanese interiors. This compact example is finished in a luminous deep red glaze reminiscent of the Chinese rouge de fer (iron-red) tradition, a glaze technique long admired and reinterpreted by Japanese porcelain artists. The rounded body transitions to a pale celadon-glazed neck and open mouth, creating a refined contrast of warm and cool tones. Hand-painted in silver and gold-accented overglaze, the design features pomegranates -- a symbol of abundance and good fortune in Japanese ceramics -- rendered alongside delicate floral sprays that wrap gracefully around the body. A blue underglaze maker's mark is present on the unglazed white foot ring, and the piece is accompanied by a tomobako -- a fitted paulownia wood storage box inscribed and sealed -- suggesting it was created as a named artist work, though specific attribution has not been independently confirmed. This is a fine example of vintage Japanese craft combining classical glaze traditions with painterly overglaze decoration.

At just over four inches tall, this vase is perfectly scaled for a shelf, mantel, or side table -- an effortless living room accent that draws the eye without overwhelming a space. Its bold red glaze and silver pomegranate motif make it a natural focal point in Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors, where a single well-chosen object carries more visual weight than a grouping. It works equally well as a bedroom decor piece on a nightstand or dresser, or as a home office accent on a bookshelf alongside books and ceramics. The included tomobako adds collector appeal and makes this a compelling gift for collectors of Japanese vintage art or a distinctive housewarming gift for those drawn to handcrafted Japanese ceramics. Whether displayed alone or with a single stem of seasonal flowers, this piece brings warmth, symbolism, and artistry to any modern home.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Porcelain with deep iron-red (rouge de fer style) glaze, celadon glaze at neck, silver and gold-accented overglaze decoration; blue underglaze maker's mark on base
• Use: Decorative flower vase or display object for tokonoma or shelf arrangement
• Modern Use: Living room accent or shelf display piece; bedroom decor on nightstand or dresser; unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics
• Features: Globular tsubo form; deep red glaze body with pale celadon neck and mouth; hand-painted pomegranate and floral motifs in silver overglaze with gold accent details; unglazed white foot ring with blue underglaze mark; accompanied by inscribed and sealed paulownia wood tomobako
• Dimensions: 4"Diameter x 4 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A richly glazed piece of vintage Japanese porcelain art -- compact in scale yet full of symbolic warmth -- that brings the quiet elegance of traditional Japanese ceramics into 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.