Japanese Studio Pottery Ikebana Vase by Nakata Ryōji, 1980s

A refined piece of Japanese studio pottery by Nakata Ryōji from the Hokuriku region, made in the 1980s.

Dimensions: height 18 cm, diameter 14 cm.

The vase has a calm, rounded form with a narrow mouth, perfect for a single branch or a seasonal flower. The clay surface is lightly speckled, showing the natural character of the material. Over that runs a flowing band in warm brown tones, like a river moving around the vessel. At the top the colour shifts to a cooler grey-blue, giving the piece that typical Japanese layered look – understated from afar, rich in detail up close.

This is the kind of object that sits beautifully in an interior with wood, linen and ceramics: it brings texture without shouting. Lovely on its own, and very strong in a group of other Japanese pieces.

Signed underneath. Comes with the original tomobako (wooden box) and documentation. In very good condition.