Shigaraki Tabimakura Flower Vase by Hideki Yanashita

Width 12.0 cm Height 21.0 cm

The origin of the name "Tabi-makura" - a beautiful name born from associations with the shape

This work, Shigaraki Tabimakura Vase, is named after its cylindrical shape, which evokes the shape of a "travel pillow" carried by travelers of the past. In the world of tea ceremony, it is customary to name vessels after everyday tools or natural shapes, and this work can be said to follow this tradition.

A travel pillow is a box-shaped item with a storage compartment that was used as a small, portable pillow during the Meiji period and other times, and has a simple and practical shape. Yanagishita Tokiki has recreated this simple and modest form into a Shigaraki ware flower vase.

A structure that can be used as both a hanging vase and a standing vase

Although the vessel is small and cylindrical, it is stable and can be used both as a hanging vase to hang on a wall, or as a vase to place on a shelf or alcove. The rim is slightly inward, providing firm support for the flowers placed inside, making it a good match for slender flowers and branches.

The firing process of Shigaraki ware and how to make the most of the materials

This piece is classified as a type of Shigaraki ware, characterized by its natural glaze and the texture of the clay.

Soft whitening due to ash covering

The reddish color of the fire acts as an accent color.

The changes in appearance due to firing can be seen. Furthermore, the minute irregularities on the surface of the vessel and the appearance of the granular feldspar also present subtle changes to the viewer each time the vessel is used.

Reconstruction and analysis of Yanagishita Toki's ware

Yanagishita Tokiki is an artist who does not simply imitate or restore the forms of historical tools and vessels, but attempts to reconstruct them in a modern context. In this piece, titled "Travel Pillow," he has reconstructed an actual everyday item using Shigaraki clay and firing techniques, and finished it as a flower vase that can function in a modern tea ceremony space. Yanagishita's work consistently displays a high awareness of the "beauty of utility" and a clear direction of "vessels designed to be used" rather than "vessels to be looked at."

Hideki Yanashita Profile
Ceramic artist 1967 –
Born in Tokyo, Yanagishita currently lives and works in Iga City, Mie Prefecture. Fascinated by pottery from the Momoyama period, he embarked on a career in 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, he delves deeply into the world of wabi-sabi from his own unique perspective, producing a diverse range of works, including Raku ware, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe ware. An important theme in Yanagishita's creative endeavors is the pursuit of 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 transcends time and invite viewers into a deeper world of art.

Base of operations : Iga, Mie Prefecture