A flask-shaped vessel born of fire and earth, its flattened form embraced by twisted loop handles and cloaked in the warm, mottled hues of natural wood-ash glaze—a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the anagama kiln. Description: This mimitsuki henko (handled flask vase) is a classic form in the Bizen pottery tradition, featuring a flattened ovoid body that rises to a slender cylindrical neck with a rolled lip. Attached to the shoulder on either side are twisted loop handles (mimi) that add both visual interest and a functional element recalling the vessel's origins as a portable container. The surface displays the characteristic effects of extended wood-firing in a traditional anagama (tunnel kiln). The body shows a range of natural colorations created by the interaction of flame, ash, and clay: warm reddish-brown areas where the clay has been exposed to direct flame (hidasuki-like effects), golden-brown passages with natural wood-ash glaze (goma) creating a textured, pitted surface, and darker scorched areas near the base. The shoulder and neck exhibit particularly rich accumulations of ash glaze that have melted to a glossy, mottled finish in tones ranging from ochre to dark brown. Subtle vertical lines from the throwing process are visible on the body, while the neck shows a row of small impressed dots as decorative detail. The underside is relatively flat with a recessed foot area showing the exposed, heavily textured clay body. An impressed seal mark is visible on the base, though partially obscured by ash deposits. The interior of the neck shows dark glaze pooling. The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) inscribed "備前 / 耳付扁壺" (Bizen / Mimitsuki Henko) with the artist's signature "邦彦" (Kunihiko) and red seal. Also included is a printed biographical leaflet with the artist's ceramic history (陶歴), seal design, and contact information in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Cultural & Art Context: Bizen is one of Japan's "Six Ancient Kilns" (Rokkoyo), with a pottery tradition spanning over a thousand years. Unlike most Japanese ceramics, Bizen ware is fired without glaze; its distinctive surface effects result entirely from the interaction of the high-iron clay with wood ash and flame during extended firings of one to two weeks. The mimitsuki henko (eared flask) is a traditional form that has been produced in various Japanese kilns for centuries, originally serving as a portable sake or water container. In contemporary practice, such vessels are appreciated primarily as flower vases or decorative objects. Collector Appeal: Bizen ware has long been collected internationally for its organic beauty and connection to the elements. Works by established Bizen artists with documented exhibition histories offer European collectors the opportunity to acquire authentic examples of this ancient tradition. Complete with tomobako and artist biography, this flask vase presents a substantial decorative piece suitable for display in both traditional and contemporary interiors. Artist Profile: Kunihiko Takahara (高原邦彦, born 1936 in Okayama City) is a Bizen ceramic artist. He entered the field of ceramics (Showa 31 / 1956) and held his first solo exhibition in Showa 41 (1966) at a venue in Okayama. His exhibition history includes: craft exhibitions at Tenmaya Department Store (Okayama), solo exhibitions at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogei), Himeji (Hyogo Prefecture), and Nagoya. He is based in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. His seal mark is "牛" (ushi / ox). Shipping / Policy: Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Guarantee: Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.