Vintage Japanese Tenmoku Glazed Stoneware Ikebana Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0310

Vintage Japanese Tenmoku Glazed Stoneware Ikebana Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0310

A striking cylindrical ceramic vase with dramatic tenmoku-style black glaze and cascading ash-crawl overlay -- presented in its original wood tomobako storage box.

A kabin (flower vase) in the ikebana tradition is a vessel designed to give cut stems and branches the space they need to express natural movement and negative space. This tall cylindrical example from the Late Showa era embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic in its most direct form: the body is coated in a deep, mirror-like tenmoku-style black glaze, while a bold patch of gray-green ash-crawl glaze erupts from the rim and drapes irregularly down one side -- bubbling and matte where it settles, glassy where it flows. The unglazed foot ring reveals a smooth gray stoneware body, consistent with high-fired Japanese studio pottery of the period. The interior of the open top shows the same layered glaze play, confirming a hand-applied technique. No potter seal is visible, though the careful forming and double-glaze treatment suggest a trained studio hand rather than mass production.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ceramic vase becomes an instant focal point. Stand it alone on a console table or entryway shelf as a minimalist decor accent -- its bold contrast of matte and glossy glaze needs no flowers to command attention. Fill it with a single stem of pampas grass or a spare ikebana arrangement for a Japandi style living room accent that feels both ancient and current. It also makes a genuinely unique housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics or anyone drawn to the earthy drama of wabi-sabi interiors. The wood tomobako storage box adds provenance and display value, and is included with the piece.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: High-fired stoneware; deep tenmoku-style black glaze overall with contrasting ash-crawl gray-green glaze draping from rim; unglazed flat foot ring; wood tomobako storage box included
• Use: Ikebana flower vase; decorative display vessel
• Modern Use: Statement living room or entryway accent; ikebana or single-stem floral display; unique gift for collectors of Japanese studio pottery
• Features: Tall cylindrical form; dramatic two-glaze treatment with glossy tenmoku-style black body and irregular matte ash-crawl overlay; open top with glaze detail visible at rim interior; smooth unglazed gray foot; accompanied by a plain wood tomobako box with cloth tie
• Dimensions: 2 1/2"Diameter x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A bold piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art that brings the quiet drama of wabi-sabi 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.