Tachikichi - Seiran - Vase - Ceramic - Sometsuke Vase
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Excellent condition Tachikichi Seiran Sometsuke bale-shaped Hana-ire vase with blue-and-white underglaze and karakusa design, dimensions 20 cm wide by 15 cm high by 14 cm deep, dating to the Shōwa period, complete with its original signed tomobako.
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Description from the seller
Brand / Maker: Tachikichi (est. 1752, Kyoto), signed Seiran
Title: Blue-and-White Flower Vase (Hana-ire) — Bale-Shaped "Tawara" Form with Hand-Painted Sometsuke Karakusa (Arabesque) Design, with Original Signed Box
This is an elegant Japanese porcelain flower vase from Tachikichi, one of Kyoto's most prestigious tableware houses, bearing the "Seiran" mark. It has a plump, bale-shaped (tawara) body painted all over in classic blue-and-white sometsuke with a flowing karakusa arabesque design, and comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako).
About the Brand — Tachikichi
Founded in Kyoto in 1752, Tachikichi began as "Tachibanaya Kichibei" in the heart of the old capital and took the name Tachikichi in 1894. With over 270 years of history, it is renowned throughout Japan for curating and producing the finest Japanese ceramics, and a piece carrying the Tachikichi name with its original box is recognized as a quality work and valued as a gift.
About the Design — Sometsuke and Karakusa
Sometsuke (blue-and-white underglaze) is one of the most beloved of all Japanese ceramic styles, admired for the crisp, timeless contrast of cobalt blue against a white porcelain ground. The design here is the karakusa (arabesque / scrolling vine) motif — one of the oldest auspicious patterns in Japanese decorative art. Because the vines grow and spread endlessly, karakusa has long been treasured as a symbol of longevity, prosperity, and the flourishing of one's descendants. The pattern is hand-painted with lively, confident brushwork that wraps gracefully around the full form.
About the Form
The vase takes the "tawara" (rice-bale) shape — a rounded, horizontally full form named after a bale of rice. In Japan this form carries connotations of abundance, a good harvest, and prosperity, making it a particularly auspicious and welcoming shape for a flower vessel.
Form & Appeal
As a hana-ire (flower vase), the generous bale form is well suited to seasonal arrangements, a single branch, or purely decorative display in an entrance, living room, or tokonoma alcove. Its auspicious shape and pattern make it an especially meaningful gift. It will appeal to admirers of Japanese blue-and-white porcelain, Kyoto ceramics, and the Tachikichi brand.
Condition
In wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scratches, or damage. A beautiful piece. Please review all photos, which form part of the description.
Presentation
Complete with its original signed tomobako, which adds to the collectible value and makes it ideal as a gift.
Shipping from Japan with tracking number and insurance. Fast dispatch via FedEx or DHL.
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges and are the buyer's responsibility. These are normally collected by the delivering carrier or on pickup — please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.
Brand / Maker: Tachikichi (est. 1752, Kyoto), signed Seiran
Title: Blue-and-White Flower Vase (Hana-ire) — Bale-Shaped "Tawara" Form with Hand-Painted Sometsuke Karakusa (Arabesque) Design, with Original Signed Box
This is an elegant Japanese porcelain flower vase from Tachikichi, one of Kyoto's most prestigious tableware houses, bearing the "Seiran" mark. It has a plump, bale-shaped (tawara) body painted all over in classic blue-and-white sometsuke with a flowing karakusa arabesque design, and comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako).
About the Brand — Tachikichi
Founded in Kyoto in 1752, Tachikichi began as "Tachibanaya Kichibei" in the heart of the old capital and took the name Tachikichi in 1894. With over 270 years of history, it is renowned throughout Japan for curating and producing the finest Japanese ceramics, and a piece carrying the Tachikichi name with its original box is recognized as a quality work and valued as a gift.
About the Design — Sometsuke and Karakusa
Sometsuke (blue-and-white underglaze) is one of the most beloved of all Japanese ceramic styles, admired for the crisp, timeless contrast of cobalt blue against a white porcelain ground. The design here is the karakusa (arabesque / scrolling vine) motif — one of the oldest auspicious patterns in Japanese decorative art. Because the vines grow and spread endlessly, karakusa has long been treasured as a symbol of longevity, prosperity, and the flourishing of one's descendants. The pattern is hand-painted with lively, confident brushwork that wraps gracefully around the full form.
About the Form
The vase takes the "tawara" (rice-bale) shape — a rounded, horizontally full form named after a bale of rice. In Japan this form carries connotations of abundance, a good harvest, and prosperity, making it a particularly auspicious and welcoming shape for a flower vessel.
Form & Appeal
As a hana-ire (flower vase), the generous bale form is well suited to seasonal arrangements, a single branch, or purely decorative display in an entrance, living room, or tokonoma alcove. Its auspicious shape and pattern make it an especially meaningful gift. It will appeal to admirers of Japanese blue-and-white porcelain, Kyoto ceramics, and the Tachikichi brand.
Condition
In wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scratches, or damage. A beautiful piece. Please review all photos, which form part of the description.
Presentation
Complete with its original signed tomobako, which adds to the collectible value and makes it ideal as a gift.
Shipping from Japan with tracking number and insurance. Fast dispatch via FedEx or DHL.
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges and are the buyer's responsibility. These are normally collected by the delivering carrier or on pickup — please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Sometsuke Vase
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Designer/artist/maker
Seiran
Material
Ceramic
Manufacturer/brand
Tachikichi
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
15 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
14 cm
Estimated period
Shōwa period (1926-1989)
