Artist / Maker: Tachikichi (Kyoto Pottery) Beautifully clear green This is an elegant celadon vase from Tachikichi, a venerable name in Kyoto ceramics with a long history of producing refined ware grounded in traditional Japanese craft. The piece is especially admired for its beautiful celadon glaze and richly textured surface. The soft, jade-like celadon (seiji) glaze evokes a calm, timeless elegance — a hue long cherished in East Asian ceramics for its resemblance to jade and its serene visual depth. Included with the vase is its original wooden tomobako (storage box), indicating careful preservation and adding to its appeal for collectors. The presence of the box enhances the piece’s authenticity and collectible value, making it suitable both as a refined display object and as an exquisite gift for connoisseurs of traditional Japanese ceramics. The balanced silhouette, tranquil celadon color, intricate ice-crackle pattern, and poetic title together make this vase a harmonious fusion of craftsmanship and aesthetic depth, perfect for interior décor or a curated collection of Japanese ceramics. “Oribe Ware (Oribe-yaki)” — Artistic and Cultural Explanation Oribe ware (Oribe-yaki) is a distinctive style of Japanese ceramics that first appeared in the late 16th to early 17th century during the Momoyama period. Named after the influential tea master Furuta Oribe, this pottery tradition became famous for its innovative aesthetics, expressive forms, and vivid glaze decoration. Origins and History Oribe ware was developed in the Mino region of what is now Gifu Prefecture, central Japan — a historic center of ceramic production. While the style takes its name from Furuta Oribe (a disciple of the great tea master Sen no Rikyū), the ceramics themselves were produced by potters responding to his aesthetic preferences for bold expression and innovation within the tea culture of the time. Distinctive Characteristics Oribe ware stands out from other traditional Japanese pottery due to several hallmark qualities: Free-Flowing Green Glaze & Colorful Surfaces Many Oribe pieces feature a rich green glaze, often combined with other color accents, creating a vibrant surface that contrasts with the more subdued ceramics of earlier traditions. Asymmetrical and Expressive Forms Oribe ceramics are notable for their asymmetrical shapes and dynamic silhouettes, reflecting a break from the rigid symmetry common in earlier pottery. This expressive shaping gives each piece a strong visual presence and individual character. Decorative Motifs and Patterns Surface decoration can include abstract brushwork, iron-oxide painted designs, geometric patterns, and natural motifs such as plants or fans. These patterns often interact playfully with the glaze, adding visual energy to each vessel. Forms and Uses Oribe ware was historically used for a wide variety of objects, including: • Tea utensils such as chawan (tea bowls) and mizusashi (water jars); • Tableware like plates and dishes; • Decorative vessels including vases and flowerware. The combination of functional design and artistic surface treatment meant that Oribe pieces were valued both in tea ceremony contexts and everyday settings. Cultural Significance Oribe ware represents a creative and expressive chapter in Japanese ceramic history, introducing color, asymmetry, and bold design into a craft tradition that had previously favored more restrained aesthetics. Its influence endures in contemporary ceramics, where modern artists continue to reinterpret Oribe’s playful spirit. Shipping from Japan with Tracking Number & Insurance. I promise fast shipping via FedEx or DHL as soon as possible! Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.