Mashiko Ware Teal Hanging Flower Vase by Artist, with Wooden Box

<p>Maker / Brand: Tanaka Midori Title of Work: Kakehanaike #ka, Blue-Green Mashiko-yaki Hanging Flower Vase, with Wooden Box</p> <p>This exquisite Mashiko-yaki kakehanaike, or hanging flower vase, is a distinctive work by the ceramic artist Tanaka Midori, active during the 1990s and 2000s. Presented in a charming blue-green hue and featuring a characteristically rounded form, this piece embodies the rustic warmth and substantial feel of traditional Japanese folk craft. It comes complete with its original wooden box, adding to its authenticity and appeal.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Mashiko-yaki is a renowned pottery tradition originating from Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, celebrated for its robust, earthy aesthetic and its deep connection to the mingei (folk craft) movement. Emphasizing practicality, simplicity, and natural beauty, Mashiko ware often features thick glazes and a tactile quality that reflects the hands-on approach of its potters. This piece by Tanaka Midori beautifully continues that heritage, offering a blend of artistic expression and traditional craftsmanship.</p> <p>Design & Technique The vase is characterized by its thick, substantial body and a rustic texture, hallmarks of mingei pottery. It is adorned with a classic Mashiko-yaki nuka-gusu, a milky white rice husk ash glaze, which imparts a soft, warm, and slightly mottled blue-green finish. This traditional glazing technique contributes to the vase's plump, inviting thickness and its overall earthy charm, making each piece uniquely expressive.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities <strong>Rounded Form:</strong> The vase features a gently rounded, organic shape that feels natural and comforting in its simplicity, inviting a sense of tranquility. <strong>Rustic Texture:</strong> Its thick, robust body and tactile surface, a result of the distinctive Mashiko clay and glazing, offer a satisfyingly earthy and handmade feel. <strong>Subtle Blue-Green Glaze:</strong> The serene blue-green color, softened by the nuka-gusu, evokes natural landscapes and provides a calming visual appeal that complements any interior.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal <strong>Artist's Unique Touch:</strong> As a work by an individual artist, Tanaka Midori, this vase possesses a unique character and subtle variations that distinguish it from mass-produced items. <strong>Mingei Heritage:</strong> It represents a tangible connection to Japan's rich folk craft tradition, appealing to collectors who appreciate authentic, handcrafted artistry. <strong>Versatile Display:</strong> Ideal for showcasing a single blossom or a small sprig, this kakehanaike can be hung in an alcove, by a window, or against a wall to bring a touch of natural elegance and Japanese aesthetic into any space.</p> <p>This piece is perfect for those who appreciate the understated beauty and enduring spirit of Japanese mingei and the unique expression of a dedicated ceramic artist. Please note that while unused, this item has been in long-term storage since its purchase from an exhibition and should be considered pre-owned, potentially showing minor signs of age or storage wear.</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">Fair</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Origin</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Mashiko, Tochigi</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></table>