Item Description This striking hourglass-form flower vase (hana-ire) was created by 島岡達三 Shimaoka Tatsuzō (1919-2007), one of the most celebrated Mingei potters of the twentieth century and a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) of Japan, designated in 1996 for his mastery of Mashiko-yaki folk pottery. Shimaoka trained under Shōji Hamada in Mashiko and went on to develop his own celebrated Jōmon Zōgan technique, combining cord-impressed textures with inlaid slip decoration. This vase displays that hallmark technique across its faceted, octagonal body: a dense, rope-impressed pattern rendered in cream slip contrasts with bands of exposed reddish-brown clay running vertically down each face. The form itself is sculptural, narrowing sharply at the centre in a waisted silhouette before flaring outward again toward the wide mouth and the stable octagonal foot. The interior is glazed in a deep, dark tone, while the unglazed footring reveals the warm, grainy stoneware body typical of Mashiko clay, with natural kiln marks characteristic of traditional wood-fired production. The vase is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako), signed by the artist, which adds both provenance and protection. This piece would make a fine addition to any collection of Japanese studio ceramics or Mingei folk art, whether displayed as a sculptural object in its own right or used as intended for a single stem or small ikebana arrangement. Size Height: 28 cm Width: 10.5 cm Depth: 10.5 cm Weight 1149 g Condition The vase is in very good condition overall, with no significant chips, cracks, or losses noted upon visual inspection. Some natural kiln textures and firing marks are visible on the unglazed base, consistent with the traditional production process rather than damage. Additional Information Artist: Shimaoka Tatsuzō, Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō), designated 1996 Technique: Jōmon Zōgan (cord-impressed inlay decoration) Origin: Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan Accessories: Original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) included 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.