This vase exemplifies the rustic refinement and subtle beauty characteristic of Koishiwara-yaki (小石原焼) crafted by Kajihara Fujinori (梶原藤徳) of Yamaichi Kiln (山一窯), a traditional pottery style from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The piece features a tall, narrow neck that gracefully expands into a rounded body.
Kajihara Fujinori (梶原藤徳) was born in 1937 in Koishiwara Village (now Tōhō Village), Asakura District, Fukuoka Prefecture, into a family of traditional potters. His father, Kajihara Tōsuke, operated a local kiln in the long-established pottery community of Koishiwara. Yamaichi Kiln is a historic pottery center known for its folkware lineage. The area has long been connected to neighboring Onta-yaki (小鹿田焼) in Ōita Prefecture, sharing techniques and influences dating back to Korean potters of the 17th century.
The glaze displays a striking crackled celadon surface (hakuji-kannyū), with flowing natural drips and a subdued palette of gray, blue, and earthy brown tones—hallmarks of the kiln’s understated aesthetic. Subtle twin lug handles adorn the shoulders, adding both visual interest and a sense of classical balance.
Accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako) bearing the seal and calligraphy, this vase embodies the quiet strength and natural elegance that define contemporary interpretations of traditional Koishiwara ware.
Size: 11 x 11 x 23.5cm (Vase) 13 x 26 x 12cm (Box)
