■ Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. ■ Authenticity & Handcrafted Nature: This flower vase is entirely hand-thrown and kiln-fired, following the orthodox Takatori ware tradition developed for the Japanese tea ceremony. The layered iron-rich glaze, natural flowing ash effects, and tactile surface variations are direct consequences of high-temperature firing, not applied decoration. The original signed tomobako guarantees authenticity and confirms direct lineage production rather than workshop assistance. ■ Estimated Period: Late 20th century (circa 1980s–1990s) a mature phase in which the 13th-generation master’s personal authority and aesthetic confidence are fully established. ■ Description: What Is Takatori Ware? Takatori ware is one of Japan’s most historically important tea ceramics, originating in Fukuoka Prefecture during the early Edo period under the patronage of the Kuroda clan. It is renowned for: Strong sculptural presence Deep, earthy glazes with iron and ash interaction Forms conceived specifically for the tea ceremony Among tea ceramics, Takatori ware is admired for its quiet power and architectural balance, qualities that resonate strongly with European collectors familiar with modernist and Brutalist aesthetics. Who Is Takatori Hassenn (13th Generation)? Takatori Hassenn is the 13th-generation head of the Takatori lineage, entrusted with preserving and advancing one of Japan’s most prestigious ceramic traditions. His works are characterized by: Respect for classical tea forms Subtle innovation within strict tradition A refined sense of proportion and surface tension Pieces by the 13th generation are increasingly regarded as definitive modern expressions of Takatori ware, rather than merely traditional reproductions. What Is Akoda-gata (阿古陀形)? Akoda-gata refers to a bulbous, segmented form inspired by the akoda fruit (a type of gourd or melon), historically favored in tea utensils for its rhythmic volume and organic symmetry. In flower vases, the Akoda form: Creates strong vertical presence Balances weight and movement Serves as a sculptural object even without flowers This form is particularly valued in tea culture for its sense of contained vitality. ■ About This Piece: This vase presents a commanding vertical silhouette with pronounced rhythmic ridges, accentuated by flowing amber, iron-brown, and ash-toned glazes. The mouth opening is subtly irregular, reinforcing the hand-formed character, while the glaze pooling and firing marks demonstrate confident kiln control. Even unfilled, the vase functions as a self-sufficient ceramic sculpture. ■ Expert’s Insight: For European collectors, this work should be viewed not simply as a functional flower vase, but as a post-war Japanese ceramic art object grounded in a living tea lineage. Value-enhancing factors include: Authorship by the 13th-generation Takatori master Classic Akoda form with strong sculptural authority Complete provenance with original signed tomobako Aesthetic alignment with contemporary ceramic sculpture traditions This is a piece that stands convincingly beside studio ceramics in a modern interior or curated collection. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity. ■ Shipping & Handling: We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.