Hagi Ware – Hanging Flower Vase by Hayashi Kōyō
This is an introduction to a hanging flower vase made by Hayashi Kōyō in Hagi ware.
A hanging flower vase is a small vase designed to be hung on vertical surfaces like tokobashira (floor pillars) or walls in tea rooms. While it is often used in the tea ceremony, it can also be casually enjoyed in general households.
On the back of this vase, there is a metal hook that allows it to be hung on a nail if there is one on a vertical surface. Since the hook is located on the back, it can also be used in a standing position to arrange flowers.
The most notable feature of this vase is its white “kairagi.”
“Kairagi” refers to the parts of the glaze that have shrunk and taken on a granular texture. Originally, “kairagi” described the skin of a ray used to decorate sword hilts, as the shrunk and rough surface of the glaze resembles that of ray skin.
In the context of the tea ceremony, “kairagi” is particularly appreciated as a visual element.
The vase is crafted from reddish-brown clay, turned on a potter’s wheel, and coated with white glaze, which has cracked in several places, revealing the underlying clay. The way the cracks form is bold and creates a strong impression.
The surface of the white glaze features countless tiny cracks, giving it a subdued luster.
The front has a slight indentation, and the mouth is tapered, making it easier to arrange flowers.
With just a few flowers, this vase evokes the world of wabi-sabi, allowing the seasons to be felt.
It creates a unique atmosphere in a space-efficient manner, using minimal flowers.
Dimensions: Diameter 8 cm, Height 11 cm.
