Sakamoto Toshito Iga Tabimakura Flower Vase, Iga and Shigaraki Ware

<p>Maker / Brand: Sakamoto Toshito (Iga-yaki) Title of Work: Iga Tabimakura Hanaire</p> <p>This exceptional Iga Tabimakura Hanaire, or "traveler's pillow" vase, is a masterful creation by Sakamoto Toshito, a leading contemporary artist in the Iga-yaki tradition. Measuring approximately 11.8 cm in diameter and 20.9 cm in height, it boasts a powerful presence, showcasing dynamic kiln effects, rich glaze drips, and robust hand-formed qualities that make it a truly outstanding piece. It comes complete with its original tomobako (wooden box), tomobukuro (protective cloth), and shiori (information slip), affirming its authenticity and provenance.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Iga-yaki is one of Japan's most ancient and revered ceramic traditions, originating in the mountainous region of Iga, Mie Prefecture. Known for its rugged beauty and dramatic kiln transformations (yohen), Iga ware is fired at exceptionally high temperatures, often resulting in natural ash glazes, scorched surfaces, and a distinctive reddish-brown clay body. Sharing a historical lineage with Shigaraki-yaki, Iga-yaki pieces, particularly hanaire, are deeply cherished in the world of chanoyu (tea ceremony) for their wabi-sabi aesthetic, embodying a profound appreciation for natural imperfection and rustic elegance.</p> <p>Design & Technique Sakamoto Toshito's artistry is vividly displayed through the vase's dynamic surface and form. The piece features relaxed rokuro-me (potter's wheel marks) and intentional yugami (distortion), giving it an organic, hand-hewn character. Vigorous hera-zukai (spatula work) adds expressive texture, while dramatic yu-dare (glaze drips) cascade down the body, creating a striking interplay of color and sheen. The unpredictable yohen (kiln effects) further enhance its unique landscape, ensuring no two pieces are ever identical.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Robust Form:</strong> The classic Tabimakura shape is rendered with a powerful, slightly distorted cylindrical body, exuding a strong, grounded presence. * <strong>Dynamic Surface:</strong> A rich collection of textures results from visible wheel marks, bold spatula work, and the natural, often crackled (kanyu) surface of the high-fired clay. * <strong>Dramatic Glaze:</strong> Cascading glaze drips create striking visual movement, contrasting with the raw clay and showcasing the unpredictable beauty of kiln transformations.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Masterful Artistry:</strong> A superb example of Iga-yaki by Sakamoto Toshito, a respected artist who continues the legacy of the Iga Nishiyama Kiln, making it a valuable acquisition for collectors. * <strong>Authentic Provenance:</strong> Accompanied by its tomobako, tomobukuro, and shiori, this piece offers assured authenticity and is presented with the traditional care befitting a fine work of art. * <strong>Versatile Elegance:</strong> Perfect for displaying a single branch or flower in the ikebana tradition, or as a standalone sculptural object, this vase brings a touch of profound Japanese aesthetic to any interior.</p> <p>This Iga Tabimakura Hanaire is an ideal acquisition for knowledgeable collectors of Japanese ceramics and those who appreciate the raw, natural beauty of traditional Iga-yaki.</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">Origin</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Shigaraki, Shiga</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">高20.9 cm / サイズ　約　径11.8×高20.9 cm</td></tr></table>