Shigaraki Ceramic Ikebana Vase – “Well Bucket”, 1950s

Characterful ikebana vase in the form of a Japanese well bucket (mizuoke), crafted in the renowned Shigaraki tradition. This piece dates from the 1950s and is hand-built from sturdy stoneware, finished with a nuanced glaze in warm brown and green tones with subtle ash deposits.

Dimensions: height 27 cm, diameter 23 cm.

The design convincingly imitates a wooden water bucket: the handle resembles a carved branch, complete with natural knots, while a braided band in clay encircles the body. This playful illusion of wood rendered in ceramic is typical of Shigaraki’s creative spirit – robust, organic, and with a distinctly wabi-sabi presence.

In excellent condition, with a lively surface and patina that underline its authenticity.

This object is beautifully suited for ikebana arrangements, yet even without flowers it radiates as a powerful sculptural accent. It pairs effortlessly with other ceramics or stands out as a striking centerpiece in modern, rustic, or eclectic interiors.

A unique example of 1950s Shigaraki pottery, where tradition and imagination come together.