Takahashi Rakusai's Japanese Shigaraki-yaki Stoneware Hanging Flower Vase, 14cm

<p>Maker / Brand: Shigaraki-yaki Takahashi Rakusai Title of Work: Shigaraki Ware Takahashi Rakusai Hanging Flower Vase, 14cm</p> <p>This exquisite hanging flower vase (kakehanaire) is a superb example of Shigaraki-yaki craftsmanship, created by the renowned fourth-generation master, Takahashi Rakusai. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of Shigaraki ware with an excellent finish, showcasing the impeccable artistry expected from a work by Rakusai. The piece is in excellent condition, with no noticeable cracks or chips.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Shigaraki-yaki is one of Japan's ancient kilns, celebrated for its rustic beauty and connection to the wabi-sabi aesthetic, particularly favored in the tea ceremony. Originating in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, this pottery is known for its iron-rich clay, which develops a unique reddish-brown hue and coarse texture when fired. Kakehanaire, or hanging flower vases, are traditionally used to display seasonal flowers in a tokonoma alcove or tea room, adding a touch of natural elegance to the space.</p> <p>Design & Technique This piece beautifully showcases the natural glazing effects characteristic of Shigaraki ware. A thick, creamy glaze, with subtle greenish tones, flows gracefully from the rim, creating organic drips that highlight the underlying earthy texture of the clay body. The interaction between the unglazed, textured surface and the naturally occurring or applied ash-like glaze is a hallmark of the Shigaraki style, celebrating the raw beauty of the materials and the firing process.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Robust Form:</strong> A sturdy, cylindrical body with a slightly flared rim, designed for hanging. * <strong>Earthy Texture:</strong> The unglazed lower body reveals the rich, granular texture of Shigaraki clay, offering a tactile experience. * <strong>Dynamic Glaze:</strong> The dramatic flow of the glaze creates a striking visual contrast, evoking images of melting snow or moss on ancient stone.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Master Craftsmanship:</strong> A genuine work by Takahashi Rakusai, a celebrated master of Shigaraki-yaki, ensuring exceptional quality and artistic merit. * <strong>Authentic Provenance:</strong> Accompanied by its original wooden box (tomobako) and protective cloth (tomobako), attesting to its authenticity and care. * <strong>Versatile Elegance:</strong> Perfect for displaying a single sprig of flowers in a traditional Japanese setting or as a sculptural accent in a contemporary interior.</p> <p>This piece is an ideal acquisition for collectors seeking authentic Japanese ceramic art with a rich heritage and timeless aesthetic.</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">Stoneware</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">高さ14cm / 幅9.1cm</td></tr></table>