Yamada Tetsu (山田喆), Japanese (1898–1971)

An Iron-Decorated Calligraphic Vase (鐵描 詩文 花瓶)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

A refined ceramic vase by Yamada Tetsu, known for his integration of poetry, calligraphy, and ceramic form into a singular artistic statement. The body is coated in a soft white glaze, quietly speckled with natural kiln nuance, while bold iron-painted calligraphy flows around the shoulder with confident brushwork. The gently swelling ovoid form narrows toward a slightly flared mouth, creating an elegant balance of volume and verticality.

The imagery and inscription reveal Yamada’s literati sensibility, celebrating the union of ceramic art and written verse. Artist’s mark impressed on the underside. Original wooden storage box included.

Dimensions

25.3cm(h) x 18.5cm(w)

Footnote

Yamada Tetsu (山田喆) was born in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture. After early training as a monk, he turned fully toward ceramics, studying Chinese Song dynasty wares while cultivating a literati artistic identity. Skilled in calligraphy, seal engraving, and haiku, he authored notable volumes including Fūjinshū and Tobo Kanwa, and received the Geijutsu Sensho in 1963. He was also a co-founder of the influential avant-garde ceramic group Sodeisha, playing a pivotal role in redefining postwar Japanese ceramics as a sculptural and intellectual art form beyond traditional functional boundaries.