Dimensions
Height: 25.7 cm; Mouth diameter: 7.0 cm; Body diameter: 12.7 cm; Base diameter: 10.7 cm; Weight: 1,350 g
There are currently only two Annam Shibori-style flower vases in Japan considered masterpieces, and this book includes both of them, along with the one described in the following section.
The cobalt pigment has bled into the soft clay body, creating an interesting, unintentional effect as shown in this illustration. Tea masters wittily referred to this beauty as “Shibori-te” (twisted hand).
While tea bowls often feature depictions of dragonflies and dragons, such designs are rarely found on flower vases.
These two pieces appear to be by the same artist, though it is difficult to distinguish them. However, the three-tiered decoration features a phoenix at the top, a dragon on the body, and lotus petals at the bottom.
