Item Description A flower vase by 坂倉新兵衛 Sakakura Shinbei XV (1949-), head of the Sakakura kiln in Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Sakakura family is one of the most distinguished lineages in Hagi ware, tracing its origins to Yi Jak-kwang (Ri Shakko), the Korean potter who founded Hagi ware in the early 17th century. The tall, softly tapering body is crowned by an arched loop handle that spans the mouth. The upper half is covered in the classic white Hagi glaze (shiro-hagi) with a soft pink blush and a faint iridescent sheen. The glaze ends in an irregular, wave-like line, revealing the warm, sandy-ochre clay body below, with fine speckling and incised horizontal lines around the lower body. The foot flares gently outward, and the unglazed base, fired to a reddish orange, bears pale kiln-setting marks and the artist’s circular impressed seal. Hand-formed and slightly asymmetrical, the vase has the relaxed, natural character prized in Hagi ware. It is ideal for ikebana or dried arrangements, or simply as a sculptural object. Size Height: 29 cm Width: 13 cm Depth: 12 cm Weight 1,575 g Condition Good condition. No chips, cracks or restoration. Fine crazing (kan-nyu) in the glaze, natural kiln marks and firing lines on the unglazed base are characteristic features of Hagi ware, not damage. Artist Profile The Sakakura Shinbei line is one of the oldest and most prestigious families of Hagi ware, tracing its origins to Yi Jak-kwang (Ri Shakko), the founder of Hagi ware. The name has been passed down through successive heads of the family for more than 400 years. Sakakura Shinbei XII (1881–1960), often regarded as the restorer of Hagi ware, was designated a Holder of Intangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1956. His son, Sakakura Shinbei XIV (1917–1975), was a leading master of classical Hagi techniques, and his refined yet warm tea wares became celebrated as “Shinbei tea ceramics”. He too was designated a Holder of Intangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1972. Sakakura Shinbei XV, the eldest son of the 14th generation, was born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1949. After completing the graduate course in ceramics at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1974, he succeeded to the name in 1978. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1984 and a director in 2012, and was designated a Holder of Intangible Cultural Property (Hagi ware) by Yamaguchi Prefecture in 2013 – the third generation of the family to receive this honour. He works mainly in traditional Hagi tea ceramics. In 2024 he passed the name to his son, who became Sakakura Shinbei XVI. Additional Information Maker: Sakakura Shinbei XV Ware: Hagi ware (Hagi-yaki), Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan Material: Glazed stoneware Mark: Circular impressed seal on the base Form: Flower vase with an arched handle across the mouth Shipping The lot will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx, depending on the destination. Delivery normally takes about 1–3 weeks. NOTICE Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost and are the buyer’s responsibility. The customs office or delivery company in your country may contact you by phone or email for customs clearance. Please make sure you can respond; otherwise the parcel may be returned to Japan, and re-shipping will cost double the shipping fee. Thank you for your understanding.