Vintage Japanese Iga-yaki Ceramic Flower Vase (Hanaire) - Signed Gento with Tomobako Box, late Showa Era

This authentic Japanese ceramic vase, complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), is a sophisticated example of mid-to-late 20th-century studio pottery.

This piece originates from the Showa era, specifically the late 1960s to 1970s. This period was a golden age for Japanese studio ceramics, characterized by a revival of traditional folk-craft (Mingei) aesthetics. The vase reflects the era's focus on bold, natural textures and the creative re-imagining of classical forms for the modern home.

• The Form: It features a classic bamboo-node shape (Take-fushi), symbolizing resilience. One "ear" handle (kiki) on the sids enhances its traditional silhouette.
• The Glaze: The surface boasts a rugged, organic texture with a dramatic color gradient—transitioning from stony greys to deep, mossy greens—achieved through high-temperature firing that mimics natural wood ash effects.

• Front Inscription: Identifies the piece as a "Bamboo-shaped Flower Vase" (竹ふし 花入).
• Artist Signature: The lower-left calligraphy and red seal belong to the artist Gento (玄陶).