Kakurezaki Ryuichi (隠崎隆一) Japanese, b. 1950

A Bizen Hanging Flower Vase (備前 掛け花入れ)

Showa Era (1926-1989), Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

An arresting Bizen hanging vase by Kakurezaki Ryuichi, a master of sculptural innovation in traditional ceramics. This piece embodies Kakurezaki’s bold architectural sensibility: the form is sharply triangular with a deliberate asymmetry, tapering elegantly into a suspended point for hanging.

The surface bears the unmistakable hallmarks of Bizen wood-firing—rich earthen hues of ochre, rust, and charcoal grey blend across the body with natural ash deposits and scorched blushes from the kiln’s flame path. Textural variations and subtle cracking patterns accentuate its raw, elemental presence, making the piece as much a contemplative object as a functional vessel. Suspended vertically, this vase functions as a minimalist ikebana container or a standalone object of quiet intensity.

This work is presented with its original tomobako (signed wooden box) and protective cloth.

Dimensions

16cm(h) x10cm(d) x 9.5cm(w)

Footnote

Kakurezaki Ryuichi is a prominent figure in modern Bizen pottery, celebrated for his avant-garde interpretation of traditional techniques. His pieces have been recognized and exhibited internationally, embodying both the legacy and innovation of Japanese ceramic art.