Tahara Tobei XII (十二代田原陶兵衛), Japanese, 1925–1991

A Hagi Ware Flower Vase (萩焼花入)

Showa Era (1926-1989)

About the work

A finely crafted Hagi ware flower vase by Tahara Tobei XII, the twelfth-generation master of the distinguished Tahara kiln. The work demonstrates the subtle beauty of Hagi ware, with its soft, feldspathic glaze pooling into areas of warm blush and earthy tones. The square-shouldered cylindrical form, narrow neck, and mottled surface evoke both rustic strength and refined elegance, embodying the kiln’s long tradition of tea ceramics.

This vase is accompanied by its original signed tomobako (wooden storage box), cloth, and documentation, attesting to its authenticity and distinguished provenance.

Dimensions

24.8cm(h) x 11.8cm(w)

Footnote

Tahara Tobei XII (1925–1991) was born in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and succeeded to the family kiln in 1956 after the death of his elder brother. He exhibited at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1969, later becoming a director of the Japan Kogei Association. Recognized in 1981 as a holder of the Yamaguchi Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property for Hagi ware, he was also awarded the Chugoku Culture Prize in 1985. His work focused on tea utensils, characterized by antique-inspired forms and the distinctive decorative glazes known as Tobei kohiki. Drawing on Korean ceramic traditions and the aesthetics of the tea ceremony, he played a central role in the revival and modernization of Hagi ware.