Antique Imari porcelain tokkuri vase

This small Imari porcelain vase, once used as a tokkuri (sake flask), is distinguished by the softness of its shape and the brilliance of its decoration. Its white porcelain, enhanced with floral motifs painted in deep blue and punctuated with delicate gold highlights, embodies all the finesse of Arita's productions. Today, this piece reveals a soothing presence, ideal as a small vase.

The technique and the decor

Made in Arita, in the Imari region (Kyūshū), this vase is made of fine porcelain fired at high temperature. The decoration is executed in sometsuke (underglaze cobalt blue), then enhanced with kin-sai gold (gold applied overglaze and fixed by a second firing). The glaze, a slightly bluish white, has a beautiful shine and transparency specific to Arita porcelain. The carefully polished base bears the workshop's signature.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan (Kyūshū, Arita/Imari)

Dimensions
Diameter 6.7cm - Height 11.5cm

Weight
116gr

Materials
Porcelain, sometsuke (cobalt blue) and kin-sai gold (golden highlight) decoration

Period
Shōwa era (1926–1989)

Care instructions
Empty the water after use and allow to air dry. Avoid thermal shock and abrasive products. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth.