Bizen Double-Layered Sake Flask (Nijū Tokkuri) - Stoneware - 斉藤隆 Saitō Takashi - Japan - 1900-2000
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A stoneware Bizen Nijū Tokkuri double-layered sake flask by contemporary artist Saitō Takashi (斉藤隆), Japan, in good condition, with outer and inner chambers for insulation, height 16 cm, width 10 cm, depth 10 cm, and complete with its original signed tomobako box, cloth, and artist biography card.
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Description from the seller
Item Description:
This is an elegant Bizen Nijū Tokkuri (Double-Layered Sake Flask) crafted by contemporary Bizen ware artist Saitō Takashi (斉藤隆).
The piece exemplifies the unglazed firing tradition of Bizen pottery, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years.
Bizen ware (Bizen-yaki) originates from Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture and is renowned as one of Japan's most distinguished ceramic traditions.
Characterized by its unglazed yakishime (焼締) firing technique, Bizen pottery achieves its beauty through the natural interaction of clay, fire, and ash during extended high-temperature firings in traditional climbing kilns (noborigama).
The resulting natural ash glazes, fire markings, and earth tones create the "scenery" (keshiki) that makes each piece unique.
The nijū tokkuri (廿十徳利 or 二重徳利, double-layered sake flask) is a sophisticated form in Bizen pottery, featuring an ingenious double-wall construction.
This design provides excellent insulation, keeping sake at the ideal serving temperature for extended periods—whether chilled or warmed.
The outer chamber creates an air pocket that moderates temperature change, a testament to the practical wisdom embedded in traditional Japanese ceramic forms.
This tokkuri displays the characteristic warm, earthy tones of Bizen clay, with natural variations in surface color ranging from reddish-brown to subtle grays—the result of its position in the kiln and the path of flames and ash during firing.
The unglazed surface reveals the honest texture of the clay while achieving a subtle luster through high-temperature vitrification.
Saitō Takashi is a member of the Okayama Prefecture Bizen Pottery Cooperative Association (Bizen-yaki Tōyūkai), working within the distinguished lineage of contemporary Bizen artists who maintain traditional firing methods while creating works suited to modern lifestyles.
The flask comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), accompanying cloth, and artist's biography card, ensuring authenticity and proper documentation.
Size
Height: 16 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Condition
Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. The piece shows natural Bizen firing characteristics including kiln marks and ash effects, which are inherent features of this pottery style and not defects.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description:
This is an elegant Bizen Nijū Tokkuri (Double-Layered Sake Flask) crafted by contemporary Bizen ware artist Saitō Takashi (斉藤隆).
The piece exemplifies the unglazed firing tradition of Bizen pottery, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years.
Bizen ware (Bizen-yaki) originates from Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture and is renowned as one of Japan's most distinguished ceramic traditions.
Characterized by its unglazed yakishime (焼締) firing technique, Bizen pottery achieves its beauty through the natural interaction of clay, fire, and ash during extended high-temperature firings in traditional climbing kilns (noborigama).
The resulting natural ash glazes, fire markings, and earth tones create the "scenery" (keshiki) that makes each piece unique.
The nijū tokkuri (廿十徳利 or 二重徳利, double-layered sake flask) is a sophisticated form in Bizen pottery, featuring an ingenious double-wall construction.
This design provides excellent insulation, keeping sake at the ideal serving temperature for extended periods—whether chilled or warmed.
The outer chamber creates an air pocket that moderates temperature change, a testament to the practical wisdom embedded in traditional Japanese ceramic forms.
This tokkuri displays the characteristic warm, earthy tones of Bizen clay, with natural variations in surface color ranging from reddish-brown to subtle grays—the result of its position in the kiln and the path of flames and ash during firing.
The unglazed surface reveals the honest texture of the clay while achieving a subtle luster through high-temperature vitrification.
Saitō Takashi is a member of the Okayama Prefecture Bizen Pottery Cooperative Association (Bizen-yaki Tōyūkai), working within the distinguished lineage of contemporary Bizen artists who maintain traditional firing methods while creating works suited to modern lifestyles.
The flask comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), accompanying cloth, and artist's biography card, ensuring authenticity and proper documentation.
Size
Height: 16 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Condition
Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. The piece shows natural Bizen firing characteristics including kiln marks and ash effects, which are inherent features of this pottery style and not defects.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
1900-2000
Artist
斉藤隆 Saitō Takashi
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Stoneware
Height
16 cm
Width
10 cm
Title of artwork
Bizen Double-Layered Sake Flask (Nijū Tokkuri)
Depth
10 cm
Condition
Good condition
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