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Sugawara Small White Urn Vase I
$85
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Scroll downHandmade in Nara, Japan, this ceramic vase is crafted using the traditional Kohiki technique, where rich red clay is coated in a soft white slip before firing. Subtle variations in colour, texture and finish make each piece beautifully unique. This is a simple, timeless vase that celebrates craftsmanship. It is just as beautiful on its own as it is with a simple flower arrangement.
Details
Size: Approx. H11.1cm x W5.5cm (At the base)
Glaze details
Kohiki - A white decorative glaze. The red clay underneath gives the vessel a rich expression with shades of pink, grey and black dots of iron powder.
Story
At the foot of Mt. Katsuragi in Nara Prefecture, Japan, master potter Sugawara-san creates each piece by hand using rich red clay. His work is finished with either a soft white glaze, a deep matte black glaze, or his distinctive iron glaze. By mixing iron into the glaze, the surface develops a remarkable metallic quality – giving the pieces a weighty, almost forged appearance while still retaining the warmth of handmade ceramic.
Tara first discovered Sugawara-san at a small local market during one of our trips to Japan a few years ago. Among the busy stalls, his work immediately stood out - the beautiful textures, the quiet strength of the forms, and the way the iron glaze caught the light. Sugawara-san was incredibly kind and delighted to hear that his pieces would be travelling all the way to Sydney. Since then, every time Tara returns to his stall, he greets her with the same big smile and one enthusiastic word: “Australia!”
Origin
Nara, Japan
34.6994° N, 135.8464° E
Nara is the capital of Japan's Nara Prefecture, in south-central Honshu. The city has significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan's capital. Deer roam in Nara Park, site of Tōdai-ji temple.