A striking mid-century Japanese studio pottery flower vase by the noted Seto potter Katō Usuke (加藤宇助, 1915–1981).
The hand-thrown vessel has a wonderfully sculptural rounded form with a single loop handle, narrow rolled rim and a distinctive matte blue-green surface. The body is decorated with restrained incised linear motifs, giving the piece a particularly modern appearance despite its grounding in traditional Japanese ceramics.
The original wooden tomobako is inscribed 青銅釉 花入, translating approximately as “bronze-glaze flower vase”, and bears the maker's calligraphy and red seal. The base of the vase is also incised with Usuke's characteristic mark. Usuke worked in the Seto and Akazu traditions and became particularly noted for his mastery of traditional Seto wares alongside more experimental work. His distinctive blue-bronze glaze was developed from copper-green glazing and used across flower vessels, sculptural pieces and tea wares.
Dating from the Showa period, probably circa 1960s–1970s. Usuke died in 1981, so the attribution also gives us a firm latest possible date. The vase is in very good vintage condition, with the subtle surface variation and firing characteristics expected of a handmade studio ceramic.
Measures approximately 15 cm / 5.9 inches tall. Original signed wooden storage box included.
The hand-thrown vessel has a wonderfully sculptural rounded form with a single loop handle, narrow rolled rim and a distinctive matte blue-green surface. The body is decorated with restrained incised linear motifs, giving the piece a particularly modern appearance despite its grounding in traditional Japanese ceramics.
The original wooden tomobako is inscribed 青銅釉 花入, translating approximately as “bronze-glaze flower vase”, and bears the maker's calligraphy and red seal. The base of the vase is also incised with Usuke's characteristic mark. Usuke worked in the Seto and Akazu traditions and became particularly noted for his mastery of traditional Seto wares alongside more experimental work. His distinctive blue-bronze glaze was developed from copper-green glazing and used across flower vessels, sculptural pieces and tea wares.
Dating from the Showa period, probably circa 1960s–1970s. Usuke died in 1981, so the attribution also gives us a firm latest possible date. The vase is in very good vintage condition, with the subtle surface variation and firing characteristics expected of a handmade studio ceramic.
Measures approximately 15 cm / 5.9 inches tall. Original signed wooden storage box included.