{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-banko-ware-u-shaped-45331","title":"Vintage Japanese Banko Ware U-Shaped Ikebana Vase","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking vintage Japanese ikebana vessel from Ryusei Kiln (竜清窯) in Yokkaichi, created in the tradition of Banko ware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormed as a dramatic open U-shape, this piece has an unusually sculptural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two upright ends rise asymmetrically from the curved body, creating a strong sense of movement and negative space. Its surface shifts between deep charcoal-black and warm reddish-brown tones, with expressive markings produced through the ceramic finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough originally created as an ikebana vessel, its abstract form allows it to be appreciated equally as a standalone ceramic sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBANKO WARE — YOKKAICHI, JAPAN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanko ware, or Banko-yaki, is a Japanese ceramic tradition closely associated with Yokkaichi in Mie Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage piece is identified with Ryusei Kiln (竜清窯), Yokkaichi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than the familiar functional forms often associated with Banko ware, this vessel takes a highly expressive approach, using curvature, asymmetry, surface texture, and empty space as central elements of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSCULPTURAL U-SHAPED FORM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel is constructed around a bold U-shaped curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts two openings allow plant material to emerge from separate points, making it possible to create ikebana arrangements that interact with the large central negative space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout flowers, the same structure becomes an abstract ceramic object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViewed from different angles, the relationship between the curved body, upright ends, surface markings, and open space changes considerably, giving the vessel a strong three-dimensional presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDISPLAY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally intended for ikebana, the vessel can be used for Japanese floral arrangements or displayed independently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts abstract form works particularly well on a shelf, console, pedestal, or low table, where the silhouette can be viewed from multiple directions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSIZE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: approx. 19 cm \/ 7.48 in\u003cbr\u003e\nHeight: approx. 15 cm \/ 5.91 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Ceramic\u003cbr\u003e\nWare: Banko ware \/ Banko-yaki\u003cbr\u003e\nKiln: Ryusei Kiln (竜清窯)\u003cbr\u003e\nOrigin: Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\nPeriod: Vintage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece has been very well preserved, with no noticeable chips, cracks, or major damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ceramic surface, coloration, and sculptural form remain in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery light signs of age or storage may be present due to its vintage nature. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural variations in firing, texture, and coloration are inherent characteristics of the ceramic and are not considered defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. The photographs show the actual item you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WabiSabi Kitchen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53965887471923,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/7130\/7827\/files\/Photoroom_20260831_223247.png?v=1788183291","url":"https:\/\/wabisabikitchen.net\/products\/vintage-japanese-banko-ware-u-shaped-45331","provider":"WabiSabi Kitchen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}