Βάζο - Κεραμικό - Ιαπωνία - Oribe-yaki Βάζο λουλουδιών (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Maker / Brand: Shūsen Tōen
Title of Work: Oribe-yaki Flower Vase (with wooden box)

This exquisite Oribe-yaki flower vase, presented in its traditional wooden storage box, embodies the dynamic and unconventional aesthetic that defines this celebrated Japanese ceramic tradition. Crafted by Shūsen Tōen, it features the distinctive lustrous green Oribe glaze dramatically flowing over a contrasting decorated body, showcasing a harmonious blend of bold color and earthy texture. This piece serves not only as a vessel for floral arrangements but also as a compelling work of art reflecting centuries of Japanese ceramic innovation.

Artistic Background, Oribe Ware (Oribe-yaki)

Oribe ware emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries during Japan's Momoyama period, primarily in the Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture). Named after the influential tea master Furuta Oribe, this style broke away from the more subdued aesthetics of earlier tea ceramics, embracing asymmetry, vibrant colors, and daring designs. Oribe ware is renowned for its playful, avant-garde spirit, characterized by its distinctive copper-green glazes, iron oxide decoration, and often irregular, hand-molded forms, making it a key development in Japanese ceramic history.

Design and Technique, Ao-Oribe Glaze and Iron Decoration

This vase exemplifies the "ao-Oribe" (green Oribe) style, distinguished by its brilliant, deep emerald-green copper glaze. The glaze is applied unevenly to the upper portion of the vessel, creating rich pools and expressive drips that cascade down the body, forming a striking contrast with the lower section. Beneath the green glaze and on the lower body, abstract patterns, including bold vertical stripes and cross-like motifs, are hand-painted with iron oxide pigment, which fires to a dark brown or black. This interplay of vibrant glaze and earthy iron decoration is a hallmark of Oribe ware's artistic appeal.

Form and Aesthetic Qualities

* Silhouette and Form: The vase presents a compact, elegantly proportioned form with a gently swelling, bulbous body that tapers towards a subtly constricted neck. The rim flares out with an organic, slightly undulating edge, imparting a sense of natural fluidity and asymmetry characteristic of the Oribe aesthetic.
* Surface Treatment and Glaze: The upper two-thirds of the vase are enveloped in a rich, glossy ao-Oribe glaze, showcasing its characteristic depth and variation in tone, with dramatic drips adding textural interest. The lower third features a contrasting pale, probably slip-coated, surface adorned with hand-painted iron oxide designs of vertical stripes and abstract patterns, revealing the earthy texture beneath.
* Functional and Artistic Purpose: Primarily designed as a *kabin* (flower vase), its unique aesthetic makes it an ideal vessel for ikebana or other floral arrangements, where its distinctive character can beautifully complement natural forms. Beyond its functional role, the vase stands as a sculptural art object, captivating with its bold design and historical significance.

Decorative and Collectible Appeal

* Tradition Meets Modern Appeal: Oribe ware's innovative and bold designs from centuries past continue to resonate with contemporary aesthetics, making this vase a timeless piece that bridges historical craftsmanship with modern decorative sensibilities.
* Display Versatility: Its striking visual presence allows it to be a focal point in diverse settings, from traditional Japanese interiors to modern minimalist spaces. The accompanying wooden box (kiribako) not only protects the piece but also enhances its presentation and provenance, adding to its collectible value.
* Cultural Significance: This Oribe-yaki vase embodies a significant period of artistic freedom and innovation in Japanese ceramics, reflecting the dynamic cultural shifts of the Momoyama era and offering collectors a tangible connection to this rich heritage.

This distinctive Oribe-yaki vase is an exceptional find for collectors of Japanese ceramics and those who appreciate the bold artistic statements of traditional Japanese craft. Its historical depth, combined with its vibrant aesthetic, makes it a compelling addition to any discerning collection.

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