Large Shigaraki Tsubo Monumental Floor Vase, 1940s

Details

Description

This impressive Shigaraki tsubo is a true statement piece: massive and calm in silhouette, yet richly animated in surface and … Read more This impressive Shigaraki tsubo is a true statement piece: massive and calm in silhouette, yet richly animated in surface and colour.

Dimensions: height 90 cm, diameter 62 cm. Weight: 43,5 kg.

The jar is formed from coarse, iron-rich clay with a pronounced grain and a tactile, natural texture. Its characterful kiln finish shows warm rust and earthy tones, darker smoke markings, and natural ash deposits that settle like a soft veil across the belly. The subtle speckling and small irregularities are inherent to the material and firing process, giving it that unmistakable, unforced Shigaraki presence.

The shape is classic and powerful: a broad, generous body on a sturdy foot with a robust rim. Up close, you can see beautiful “skin” details such as gentle ridging/hand traces in the clay and variations in sheen—from almost matte to lightly vitrified where the ash has flowed most.

Today, a tsubo of this scale works beautifully in a contemporary interior as a sculptural floor object—perfect for an entry hall, loft, gallery, or retail space. It’s also striking as an oversized floor vase with a few branches, or left entirely “solo” as a ceramic sculpture. Despite its weight and size, the earthy palette keeps the overall feel quiet and natural.

A signature is present on the base, but it is not legible.

Condition: very fine, well-kept state with normal traces and irregularities typical of Shigaraki clay and wood/ash firing (small pits, speckling, and natural colour variation). See less