Vintage Japanese Glazed Ceramic Tsubo Vase, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0527

Vintage Japanese Glazed Ceramic Tsubo Vase, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0527

A boldly glazed Showa-era decorative vase with striking multi-color drip glaze and low-relief figural motifs -- a vibrant statement piece for any interior.

A tsubo is a traditional Japanese ceramic vessel, typically wheel-thrown with a rounded body, used for display, flower arrangement, or as a decorative ornament in the tokonoma alcove or entryway. This example, dating to the late Showa period, showcases the exuberant drip-glaze style popular in mid-to-late twentieth century Japanese studio and production ceramics. Flowing layers of cobalt blue, amber, celadon green, and cream cascade from the bulbous shoulder down to the flared foot, pooling and blending in a way that is never precisely repeated -- each piece a one-of-a-kind result of the kiln firing. The narrow ball-form neck, glazed in solid celadon green, contrasts beautifully with the painterly explosion of color on the body. Look closely and you will find subtle low-relief figural motifs -- likely robed figures -- encircling the midsection, partially veiled by the dripping glaze in a way that rewards careful examination. The unglazed recessed foot ring reveals a clean, pale stoneware body consistent with vintage Japanese ceramic craft.

Today this vintage Japanese ceramic vase is a natural fit for a range of modern interior styles. Its saturated cobalt and amber palette reads beautifully against neutral Japandi-style shelving or a wabi-sabi-inspired living room accent shelf. Use it as a standalone sculptural object on a mantle, console table, or entryway surface, or pair it with a single stem or dried botanicals for an ikebana-inspired bedroom decor moment. At roughly 10.5 inches tall it commands presence without overwhelming a space. It also makes a thoughtful and unique housewarming gift for collectors of vintage Japanese ceramics or admirers of mid-century decorative arts.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Glazed ceramic; multi-color drip glaze in cobalt blue, amber, celadon green, and cream over a pale stoneware body
• Use: Decorative display vase; ikebana flower arrangement; tokonoma or entryway ornament
• Modern Use: Sculptural living room accent or mantle display; ikebana or dried-flower vase for bedroom decor; unique housewarming gift for collectors of vintage Japanese ceramics
• Features: Bulbous body with flared pedestal foot and ball-form neck; freely flowing multi-color drip glaze with natural kiln variation; low-relief figural motifs encircling the midsection; celadon-green neck contrasting with richly colored body; unglazed recessed foot ring
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 5 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition; minor chipping and glaze loss at base edge consistent with age; no cracks to body noted

A vivid example of vintage Japanese ceramic craft -- its spontaneous drip glaze and quiet figural storytelling bring color, warmth, and a touch of Showa-era character to any modern home.

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.