Shiro Hara Takatori-yaki Flower Vase with Tube Handles, Rhombus Mouth, Signed Box & Inscription

<p>STRUCTURE Maker / Brand: Takatori-yaki, Hara Shiro Title of Work: Takatori Ware Vase with Tube Handles and Diamond Mouth, by Hara Shiro, with Original Wooden Box, Bookmark, and Box Inscription</p> <p>Discover this exquisite Takatori-yaki vase, a masterful creation by the renowned artist Hara Shiro. This elegant hanaire, featuring distinctive tube-shaped handles and a unique diamond-shaped mouth, showcases the refined aesthetic and skilled craftsmanship for which Takatori ware is celebrated. Its rich, flowing glaze creates a striking visual texture.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Takatori-yaki is a historic Japanese pottery tradition from Fukuoka Prefecture, known for its sophisticated glazes and elegant forms. Established in the early 17th century, it was highly favored by tea masters for its subtle beauty and suitability for the tea ceremony (chanoyu). The kilns are celebrated for their diverse and complex glazes, a hallmark of the ware.</p> <p>Design & Technique This vase exemplifies Takatori-yaki's mastery of glazing. A lustrous, multi-toned glaze flows from the rim, transitioning from deep, earthy greens and blues to warm, golden ochres and browns. The natural variations and drips create a dynamic, organic pattern, highlighting the ceramic's inherent beauty. The distinctive tube-shaped handles (kanamimi) add architectural elegance, while the diamond-shaped mouth (hishiguchi) offers a unique silhouette for floral arrangements.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Elegant Silhouette:</strong> The vase boasts a gracefully swelling body that tapers gently towards the base, creating a harmonious and balanced form. * <strong>Dynamic Glaze:</strong> The rich, flowing glaze exhibits a striking interplay of colors, from verdant greens to warm ochres, creating a sense of movement and depth. * <strong>Refined Details:</strong> The distinctive kanamimi handles and the subtly angled hishiguchi mouth provide unique points of interest, enhancing its sophisticated appeal.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Masterful Craftsmanship:</strong> A example to the artistry of Hara Shiro, this piece embodies the high standards of Takatori-yaki, making it a valuable addition to any collection of Japanese ceramics. * <strong>Versatile Display:</strong> Perfect for showcasing a single ikebana arrangement or as a standalone sculptural object, its timeless beauty complements both traditional and contemporary interiors. * <strong>Authentic Provenance:</strong> Accompanied by its original wooden box (kyobako), bookmark (shiori), and box inscription (hakogaki), confirming its authenticity and adding to its collectible value.</p> <p>This exquisite vase is an ideal acquisition for knowledgeable collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese art pottery.</p> <h3>Details</h3> <table style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100%"><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Condition</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Excellent</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Material</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Ceramic</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Era</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Unknown</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Dimensions</td><td style="padding:4px 0">6.5×5.7cm / サイズ ：高さ　約　22cm</td></tr></table>