Bizen Kotsubo, Ikebana Vase by Yoshio, Traditional Stoneware, 1950s

This is a beautiful traditional Bizen-style ikebana vessel (kotsubo), made from unglazed, iron-rich stoneware.

Dimensions: height 18 cm, diameter 13 cm. The vase is in perfect condition.

The form is compact and timeless, with a rounded, full body and a narrow, gently flaring neck. It is a classic silhouette that has been appreciated in Japan for centuries for its natural proportions and perfect balance.

The surface is rich and nuanced, showing warm earthy tones ranging from sandy beige to deeper brown, with subtle greyish shadows that reveal how the piece rested in the kiln. Fine inclusions in the clay and soft throwing marks create a gentle horizontal rhythm around the body. In places, light ash and fire marks are visible—characteristic of Bizen ware, where no glaze is used and the final appearance is shaped solely by clay, flame, and time.

The vase bears an impressed seal on the base and comes with its original tomobako. The inscription reads 小壺 (kotsubo), meaning “small pot/vase,” and 芳雄造 (Yoshio zō), “made by Yoshio,” accompanied by calligraphy and a seal. This confirms the piece as an authentic studio work within the Bizen tradition.

In contemporary use, this is an ideal object for ikebana: just a few branches, seasonal flowers, or simple greenery are sufficient. Even without contents, it works beautifully as a serene interior accent on a sideboard, in open shelving, or on a pedestal, where its earthy surface and restrained form immediately bring calm and depth to the space.