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Japanese Antique Huge “Yabure Tsubo” Ceramic Vessel 13th Century / Wabi-Sabi
$12,000
£9,155.42
€10,469.77
CA$16,910.56
A$18,439.16
CHF 9,785.48
MX$222,923.44
NOK 123,842.30
SEK 113,518.69
DKK 78,198.36
About the Item
This is an old, monumental Tokoname ware “Yabure Tsubo” (broken-form jar) made in Japan.
A yabure tsubo refers to a large jar that has sustained natural breakage and weathering over centuries, yet continues to hold a commanding presence. Rather than viewing its incomplete form as damage, this uniquely Japanese sensibility embraces the “traces of time” as a form of beauty. Tokoname ware, known as one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, is celebrated for its rugged clay, earthy texture, and powerful, unrefined forms.
Based on its clay character, form, and construction techniques, this piece can be confidently dated to the Kamakura period (13th century, 1185–1333)—making it an exceptionally rare surviving jar. Examples of this size are extraordinarily scarce, and pieces of such scale and age are typically found in museum collections. In the modern market, it would be nearly impossible to encounter such a work as a “fresh find”; it is far more reasonable to assume it originated from a long-established private collection.
The exterior displays the deep reddish-brown coloration characteristic of early Tokoname ware, enriched by iron content in the clay. Areas of natural darkening from ash deposits, subtle variations in tone from long-term burial in the earth, and faint finger marks remaining from its original shaping all overlap to create a landscape that is entirely unique. Even the broken rim and the dramatic fissure along the body possess a sculptural force, allowing the jar to stand as an object that quite literally speaks of time.
There are several old repair marks made with adhesive, yet the jar remains structurally stable with a firm, self-standing base. Rather than seeking perfection, this piece embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—the appreciation of beauty within imperfection. When placed as it is, without hiding its breaks, the jar acts as a profound art object that conveys stillness and the quiet passage of centuries.
It will be shipped securely from Japan in a custom-made wooden box to ensure the highest level of protection.
Born from the earth and carrying hundreds of years of history, this monumental jar offers a presence and a beauty that exist nowhere else in the world.
Weight: approx. 50 kg
______________________________
Our Philosophy
Objects always tell the truth.
All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give
them deep affection as much as I can.
There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty.
But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it
will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing
today and to question us about an essence of beauty again.
I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have,
feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
- Similar to:Axel Vervoordt (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 33.47 in (85 cm)Depth: 30.71 in (78 cm)
- Style:Other (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Ceramic,Glazed
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:13th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403247878832
About the Seller
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Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
- Return Policy
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