Kenji Funaki Mingei Green Glaze Tripod Vase, Flawless, Rare, Original Signed Box, Bernard Leach

<p>Maker / Brand: Funaki Kenji Title of Work: Green Glazed Three-Legged Flower Vase with Original Box, Undamaged, Rare, Mingei, Bernard Leach</p> <p>This exquisite three-legged flower vase by Funaki Kenji embodies the rustic beauty and functional elegance central to the Mingei folk craft movement. Adorned with a striking green glaze, its unique form and rich color make it a truly distinctive piece of Japanese ceramic art. This rare and undamaged vessel comes complete with its original wooden box, adding to its provenance and collectible value.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background The Mingei movement, championed by figures like Yanagi Soetsu and the British potter Bernard Leach, celebrated the beauty of everyday utilitarian objects made by anonymous craftspeople. Funaki Kenji, a significant figure in this movement, embraced its philosophy of honest craftsmanship and natural aesthetics. This vase reflects the Mingei ideal of finding profound beauty in simple, functional forms, connecting it to a rich lineage of Japanese folk art. A similar piece is believed to be housed in the Shimane Prefectural Museum, further underscoring its cultural significance.</p> <p>Design & Technique The vase features a vibrant green glaze (ryokuyu) that flows beautifully over its rounded body, creating subtle variations in tone and texture. Darker, almost earthy brown streaks are artfully swirled into the green, adding depth and an organic, painterly quality to the surface. The three sturdy legs, left unglazed at their tips, provide a stable yet elegant base, a design choice that is both practical and visually striking.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Unique Silhouette:</strong> A charming globular body tapers gracefully to a narrow neck and gently flared rim, supported by three robust, splayed legs. * <strong>Luminous Glaze:</strong> The glossy green glaze shimmers with an inviting depth, enhanced by the spontaneous, naturalistic patterns of darker pigment. * <strong>Harmonious Balance:</strong> Despite its unusual three-legged form, the vase achieves a perfect balance of stability and delicate elegance, inviting contemplation.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Mingei Provenance:</strong> A genuine piece by Funaki Kenji, a respected Mingei artist, offering a tangible connection to this important Japanese art movement and its association with Bernard Leach. * <strong>Exceptional Condition & Rarity:</strong> Described as undamaged and rare, this vase represents a unique opportunity to acquire a well-preserved example of the artist's distinctive work. * <strong>Versatile Display:</strong> Its striking color and form make it a striking centerpiece for a variety of interior styles, from traditional Japanese to modern minimalist, or as a standalone sculptural object.</p> <p>This piece is an ideal acquisition for collectors passionate about Japanese folk art and those seeking a unique, historically significant decorative accent for their home.</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">Good</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Material</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Wood</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></table>