A contemporary Japanese ceramic artistry, this tall 柿瓷花生 (Kakiji-hanaike) vase is the work of acclaimed potter Kenichi Iwase (岩瀬健一) of Hachiōji, Tokyo. Titled 「屏」(Byō), meaning screen or protective barrier, the piece expresses quiet strength and stillness through its bold form and earthy presence.
Crafted entirely by hand, the vase features Iwase’s signature 柿瓷 (kakiji) glaze—named for its warm, deep persimmon-brown tone. The surface reveals subtle variations of sheen and depth, with a gentle vertical flow of glaze and a natural, almost sculptural asymmetry that evokes the beauty of unrefined clay. The tall silhouette flares softly at the base, giving the piece stability and a powerful grounded elegance.
The vessel’s organic contours and rich, earthen hues make it ideal for ikebana floral arrangements, but it stands equally strong as a display object, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of shibumi—restrained, graceful simplicity.
This vase comes in its original signed wooden tomobako and the artist’s signature and seal, making it a highly collectible work suitable for both private collections and interior display.
Kenichi Iwase born in Tokyo in 1946, Kenichi Iwase is a respected potter who established his kiln in Hachiōji in 1972. He trained under renowned masters Kōsei Matsuyasu, Kiyoshi Tsuchi, and Tsuchikyo Tsuchi, gaining foundational skills in traditional Japanese ceramics before developing his own expressive style.
Iwase has been selected numerous times for major national exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (日本陶芸展) and the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (日本伝統工芸展). He has held solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as Matsuya Ginza and the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka. In 2006, he was officially recognized as a member of Nihon Kōgeikai (Japan Kōgei Association).
Residing in a historic home in the natural surroundings of Hachiōji, Iwase creates works that reflect the landscape around him—quiet, honest, and deeply connected to the earth. His pieces are admired for their craftsmanship, warmth, and contemplative presence.
Size: 10 x 10 x 23.5cm (Vase)
13 x 13 x 27cm (Box)
