Iga Yohen Flower Vase with Handles by Hideki Yanashita

Width 11.8cm Height 26.7cm

- A powerful floral stage where nature and intention come together -

The Iga Kiln-Changed Ear Vase by Yanagishita Tokiki, who has studied the history and techniques of Iga ware in depth and is currently based at the Kanda Kiln he built in Iga City, is a work that makes use of the beauty of Iga's design that has been passed down since the Momoyama period. The kiln-change process during firing creates a variety of colors and textures on the surface, and combined with the presence of the thick ears (handles), it has a unique strength and depth as a vessel for arranging flowers.

Scenery created by the unique Iga ware "kiln change"

Iga ware is characterized by the fact that, as it is slowly fired in a high-temperature wood-fired kiln, wood ash falls on the ware, producing a green glassy substance, and the components in the soil cause it to have a reddish or black "fire color" or "scorch" appearance. Similarly, the surface of this work is dotted with green glassy substance created by melting ash and scorched shades, and shows various expressions depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The natural changes brought about by this "border between chance and necessity" create a rich landscape amidst the simplicity.

Form with lugs - harmony of function and decoration

The handles attached to both sides of the vase are a design commonly seen on tea pottery from the Momoyama period, such as Old Iga and Old Shigaraki. Originally intended to facilitate handling and hanging, they are also a key feature that greatly influences the form of the piece. In this piece, the handles are positioned to tighten the roundness of the body, giving the entire vase a strong outline. The piece is sculpted to take advantage of the roughness of the clay while maintaining balance, resulting in a finish that evokes both the "earthiness" and the "functionality of tea pottery."

The presence of soil - materials nurtured by the Iga climate

Iga ware is known for using the tough clay of the ancient Lake Biwa layer. The small amount of pebbles and sand remaining on the surface of the pottery even after firing creates a unique texture that draws the viewer's eye and touch at the same time. Yanagishita Tokiki's flower vase also makes active use of the characteristics of this clay, and the flow of the glaze and the color of the kiln changes give it a simple yet complex appearance.

The philosophy of Yanagishita Tokiki - modern Iga ware based on tradition

While based on the bold shapes and wabi-sabi spirit of Iga ware that flourished in the Momoyama period, this work is reinterpreted from a contemporary perspective. This work, Iga Kiln-Changed Eared Vase, follows the fusion of "roughness" and "functionality" seen in old Iga ware, while adding size and stability according to the situation of use, and new kiln-change expressions through dialogue with the flame.
The result is a design that is noteworthy for its balance between a solid presence that is in keeping with tradition and the ability to blend naturally into modern living spaces.

The Iga Kiln-Changed Eared Vase is a piece that combines the colors and textures of Iga ware's unique kiln-changed ware with the powerful contours created by the traditional "eared" design.
If you arrange flowers in it, the atmosphere will be filled with the breath of nature, and you can enjoy a simple yet profound view. The "modern Ko-Iga" created by Yanagishita Tokiki connects the past and the present, and adds a touch of elegance to the daily life of the user.

Hideki Yanashita Profile
Ceramicist 1967 –
Born in Tokyo, Yanagishita is currently based in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Fascinated by pottery from the Momoyama period, he embarked on the path of ceramics. After training in Shigaraki, he built his own anagama kiln in Iga, Mie Prefecture, and opened the Kanda Kiln. Under the tutelage of Sadamitsu Sugimoto, Yanagishita has been creating a wide variety of works , including Raku ware, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe, while deeply exploring the world of wabi-sabi from his own unique perspective. An important theme in Yanagishita's creations is the quest for new heights , born from the incorporation of modern materials and unique approaches while deeply studying the techniques and spirit of his predecessors. His works question essential beauty that is timeless, and invite the viewer into a deeper world of art.

Base of operations : Iga, Mie Prefecture