This Bizen-yaki hana-ire (花入 - vase) is made in the shihō (四方 - four-sided) style and features an unglazed finish, typical of Bizen ware, that shows off the dramatic colour variation in the rough, iron-rich clay created by the heat and fire during the kiln firing process. Thecoarse Bizen clay creates an earthy atmosphere which is accentuated by the rough texture of the natural grey and yellow 'glaze' created by the wood ash that fell on the piece during firing and melted onto it.

Made by Suzuki Katsushi (鈴木勝詞), this vase comes in its original kiribako (桐箱 - wooden paulownia box)

Bizen-yaki (備前焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Bizen province, now part of Okayama prefecture, Japan. The site of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, pottery has been made in Bizen since at least the 14th century.

Fired at high temperature for a long time (as long as 14 days) in wood-burning kilns, Bizen ware is known for its earthen colours and lack of traditional glaze. Because of the clay’s high rate of shrinkage, it is unsuitable for glazing. Instead, the designs found on Bizen ware come from kiln effects and include traces of molten ash resembling glaze and markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing.


Dimensions:

7cm (2.8in) - width
22.6cm (8.9in) - height

Condition: Very good (hairline crack from firing in the base, does not leak, please see photos)

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States