Antique Old Imari Blue and White TOKKURi - Sake BOTTLE - VASE - late EDO PeRioD
A piece like this will add to any atmosphere a certain ambiance, the unmistakeable aesthetic of yesterday.
This is an antique Koimari tokkuri from the late Edo period (early to middle 1800's). "Koimari" literally means 'old Imari', which refers to the oldest versions of Imari pottery, which traditionally comes from Saga prefecture, a prefecture in northern Kyushu, the southern Island of the four main islands of Japan. Imari pottery is famous for hand painted flow blue patterns.
A tokkuri is a ceramic bottle used for serving sake, either cold or hot. It could also function perfectly as a vase for flowers. And even would be used in both ways in Japan. It would be perfectly normal to use as both, a server for alcohol and/or a display piece or vase.
This tokkuri is rather substantial. It seems to have thicker, sturdy sides, and it is relatively heavy. The pattern is a lighter shade of blue, subtle and understated. I see a standardization, of sorts, in the patterns drawn on tokkuri of this era. The main pattern on the front is often foliage, like this. And on the back side, the small squiggle. I have seen a snail, even, in place of the squiggle,. But they all seem so similar. It must have been a production line situation.
This tokkuri is in perfect condition. No cracks or chips on the top lip, but a few slight chips along the edge of the base. Nothing which threatens the integrity of the piece, though. I see some crazing of the glaze here and there. It adds flavor, for sure.
more detailed photos over here
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=RCarbinEthnotextiles&set=a.815099940406048
about 28 cms high
about 16 cms wide
weight about 1200 grams
Please like this tokkuri/vase and share all over the internet, Pinterest and Facebook and Instagram.
And then buy it. : ) Please.
Thank you.