A Karatsu Nanban-Style Ceramic Vase (唐津南蛮花器)
Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019 – present)
About the work
This Karatsu Nanban-style vase by acclaimed American ceramic artist Malcolm Wright is a masterful blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary ceramic artistry. Crafted in the wood-fired technique, the piece showcases a rich, natural ash glaze, forming an organic interplay of earthy browns, deep greens, and warm ochres across its surface. The form, featuring a bold, geometric cutout, reflects Wright’s signature approach—balancing structural precision with natural spontaneity.
Included is the original tomobako (signed wooden storage box), ensuring authenticity and provenance. This vase serves as an exceptional collector’s item or an elegant focal point for a refined interior space.
Dimensions
12.5cm(h) × 24.7cm(d) x 23.2(w)
Footnote
Malcolm Wright is a distinguished American ceramic artist, born in 1945. After training under the renowned Karatsu potter Tarouemon Nakazato XII in Japan, Wright developed a unique style blending Japanese ceramic traditions with contemporary Western influences. He is particularly known for his exploration of Karatsu and Nanban aesthetics, producing works that balance tradition and innovation. His ceramics have been exhibited internationally and are highly sought after by collectors.
