We specialise in modernist ikebana vases produced in Japan during the 20th century, many originating from now-defunct ikebana kilns.
This rare six-aperture asymmetrical vase was designed by Shigeo Sawada at Hishoku kiln in Tokoname. Part of a distinctive beige series with heavy clay bodies and boldly abstract forms, examples are now exceptionally scarce.
I interviewed Sawada-san at his private residence in January 2026 to discuss the design logic behind this vessel. This piece remains in my private archive — for now. It is one of the most recognisable and iconic forms of last century in the entire modernist ikebana genre.