Flower vase in the shape of a gourd by Dohachi Takahashi

Width: 9.21cm Height: 21.3cm

With its soft silver-gray texture and graceful double silhouette created by bulging and shibori, this vase crystallizes the rustic charm of the "Nanbanmono" style of tea ceremony, which has been highly valued in the tea ceremony, with the refinement unique to Takahashi Michihachi IX. Below, we will introduce its appeal and background in detail from five perspectives.

The auspiciousness and rhythm of the gourd

The two-tiered gourd shape, with a slender, long cylindrical opening at the top, a slight taper in the middle, and a generously flared bottom, symbolizes the harmony of yin and yang and fertility. The soft curves of the shoulders encase the flower, and the stability of the lower bulb provides firm support for the whole, making it easy to arrange a vase for a single flower or a branch. The interior (the inside) is connected by a smooth curve from the opening to the bottom, designed to naturally guide the flower in place.

Iron base of Nanban style

The clay used is rich in iron, a characteristic of Nanban flower vases, and the piece is fired at high temperatures with almost no glaze, resulting in a dull luster reminiscent of metal and a subtle fire color. The partially visible purple-brown color is the result of the fluctuations between the reducing and oxidizing flames. When you stroke the piece with your palm, you can feel the subtle powdery texture, allowing you to enjoy the natural feel of the material.

The good fortune contained in gourds

Gourds have long been popular as talismans and protectors of tools, due to the play on words that sounds similar to "no illness (six gourds)." In tea rooms, they are used as a symbol of good fortune and are treasured for New Year's and celebratory flower arrangements. This piece is completely free of decoration, and the shape itself is designed, achieving both simplicity and elegance. The design, which avoids extravagance, further enhances the purity of the tea flowers.

Spirit and the art of changing the fire

The clay body is formed on a potter's wheel in one piece, and the top and bottom are turned out in a continuous "one-shot" process, resulting in a rhythmic interplay between the tension and narrowing of the body. After bisque firing, the piece is fired for a long time in a climbing kiln or reduction electric kiln, giving it a slightly carbonized appearance. Due to the difference in the placement of the front and back of the fire, faint cloud patterns appear on the sides, creating a unique look that can only be achieved with unglazed pieces.

History - Yearning for Nanban in the Tea Ceremony

"Nanban" refers to Southeast Asian-style yakishime ceramics that were introduced to Japan from the end of the Muromachi period to the Momoyama period, and its simplicity and earthy character captured the hearts of tea masters such as Sen no Rikyu. Takahashi Dohachi, a renowned Kyoto-style ware maker, was also deeply involved in the study of ancient pottery, and in this work he has inherited the spirit of the Nanban vase while reinterpreting it with neat lines that will stand out in contemporary spaces. Bridging the gap between tradition and modernity is perhaps the true essence of the ninth generation's work.

The Takahashi Dohachi family has been known as a prestigious Kyoto ware colored enamel family since the late Edo period. The ninth generation master graduated from Kyoto Bunkyo Junior College, majoring in fashion design, and then went on to study molding and research at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical College, and further solidified his technical foundation at the Kyoto Industrial Research Institute.

In 1996, he began to study pottery under his father, Dohachi Yashiro, and began making pottery in earnest.

In 2012, he took on the name of the 9th Takahashi Dohachi

His style, which combines the sense of form cultivated through clothing design with the traditional techniques of Kyoto ware, breathes new life into the Dohachika style and displays a refinement that stands out in modern tea ceremony and gallery spaces.

The silver-gray surface, stripped of all ornamentation, combined with the soft rhythm of the gourd shape, creates a vase that simultaneously exudes dignified serenity and a warm, refined elegance. The narrow opening gently widens toward the inside, making it easy to adjust the amount of water and suitable for a wide range of flowers, from wildflowers to tea flowers. Gently insert a seasonal flower and it will rise as if floating in the air, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere of your tea ceremony. We hope you will treasure this vase for many years to come, and savor the earthenware that deepens with each interaction with the flowers, as well as the mysterious elegance of the Nanban style.