VIntage item, never used. A charming set of Mino-yaki 美濃焼 lidded small jars (蓋付き小壺), finished in a rich deep cobalt-blue glaze and presented in their original box.
The set consists of two matching covered jars, each with a softly rounded, slightly swollen form and a fitted lid topped by a small cylindrical knob. The glossy glaze ranges from inky navy to softer blue-violet tones, with darker pooling and natural vertical runs around the shoulder of the vessels. These subtle variations in colour and glaze thickness give each piece an individual, handmade character.
The simple shape and monochrome finish make the jars especially elegant. Rather than relying on painted decoration, their beauty comes from the contrast between the rounded form, lustrous surface and naturally varied glaze created during firing.
Mino-yaki (美濃焼) comes from the historic Mino ceramic region of present-day Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan’s most important centres of pottery production. The tradition encompasses a very wide range of styles, from rustic tea wares to refined everyday tableware, and is particularly appreciated for its variety of glazes and practical forms. These 小壺 (kotsubo / small jars) can be used in many ways—as containers for condiments, pickles, spices, tea, small sweets or accessories, or simply displayed as decorative Japanese ceramics. Their lids help protect the contents while giving the pieces a pleasing, complete silhouette.
