18C Hasami Ware Tokkuri Vase Featuring the Hiragana Character あ Japanese Antique

Rare 18th Century Edo Period Hasami Ware Tokkuri Vase – Featuring the Hiragana Character “あ”

This is a Hasami ware Tokkuri (sake bottle) or flower vase produced in the 18th century during Japan’s Edo period, fired in the Hasami region of Nagasaki Prefecture. Hasami ware was widely used as everyday tableware at the time, often decorated with hand-painted motifs such as flowers, shop names, or auspicious characters like “kotobuki” (longevity).

What makes this piece especially rare and unique is the boldly painted single hiragana character “あ” on its front. Hiragana is a traditional Japanese phonetic script, and “あ” is the first character in the syllabary, symbolizing beginnings and simplicity. It is extremely unusual to find a vessel decorated with just a single hiragana character, making this an intriguing example of the playfulness and expressive freedom seen in Edo-period ceramics.

🧵 Details:

• Type: Tokkuri (sake bottle) or flower vase

• Origin: Hasami ware, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

• Period: 18th century, Edo period

• Material: Glazed ceramic

• Decoration: Hand-painted cobalt underglaze character “あ”

• Condition: No chips or cracks. Overall in very good antique condition. The surface shows fine glaze crazing appropriate for its age. Natural staining within the crazing creates a beautiful and expressive texture known as “landscape” (keishiki). The foot and rim show gentle wear from historical use, adding character and authenticity.

For collectors of Japanese folk pottery or admirers of calligraphic art, this piece offers a rare blend of history and humor.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
SIZE

Height: 23cm
Diameter: 14cm
Caliber: 4.5cm
total weight: 890g

Condition: used : There are scratches and stains.