Black Kokeshi

Black Kokeshi

A rare dual-display vase designed by Sofu Teshigahara, founder and first Iemoto of the Sogetsu School. Its stacked black volumes form a kokeshi-like silhouette and allow it to be displayed upright as a suiban or inverted as a nageire. Sofu’s given-name kanji is stamped inside the well, providing clear provenance. The foot was intentionally painted black after firing to conceal the unglazed base when inverted; areas of paint loss are expected and are not kiln flaws. This documented model appears in mid-century ikebana publications. This vase can be used upright as a suiban or upside down as a nageire. Every seasoned Sogetsu ikebana practitioner would have seen this form from the middle of last century. The original models were sold in large cardboard boxes with red labels glued on. The vase inside the box was padded with wood shavings. This was prior to the invention and common use of bubble wrap. Models with the original box have become rare collector’s items. 

Vintage pieces may show signs of age and prior use, including surface wear, glaze variation, firing irregularities, kiln marks, minor staining and other characteristics acquired over time. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

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