Overview
This elegant Japanese sometsuke (blue-and-white) porcelain tokkuri is a fine example of mid-century Japanese studio ceramics. Hand-painted with a grape vine motif in expressive cobalt gosu pigment, and accompanied by its original inscribed wooden box signed by artist Sanpo, it makes a compelling display piece or a functional sake vessel and bud vase.
Item Details
-
Form: Classic pear-shaped tokkuri with rounded shoulder, gently tapering body, and short upright neck
-
Decoration: Grape vine with hand-brushed leaves (gosu wash with tonal variation), bold dot grapes, and flowing tendril descending to lower right
-
Neck: Full dami (saturated cobalt wash) treatment with soft intentional gradation
-
Body: Fine-grained, high-white, translucent-quality porcelain consistent with Arita or Kyo ware tradition
-
Mark: Double cobalt circle within foot ring, common on Showa-era artist pieces
-
Box Inscription: Brushed ink reading 'Sanpo — Sake Vessel' with cursive artist signature and red seal
-
Attribution: Named studio artist 'Sanpo' (estimated Arita or Kyo ware lineage)
-
Period: Mid-to-late Showa (circa 1950s–1980s); earlier Taisho or early Showa origin possible
-
Functions: Sake tokkuri and single-stem ikebana bud vase
Product Dimensions
Sake Decanter (Tokkuri)
Height: 11.5 cm / 4.5 in
Max Width: 7.5 cm / 3.0 in
Top Diameter (Opening): 2.9 cm / 1.1 in
Base Diameter: 4 cm / 1.6 in
Sake Cup (Ochoko)
Top Diameter: 4.5 cm / 1.8 in
Max Width: 5 cm / 2.0 in
Height: 3.6 cm / 1.4 in
Base Diameter: 2.5 cm / 1.0 in
Condition
Condition is good. No chips, cracks, hairlines, or repairs detected. Minor variation in the cobalt wash and surface texture is consistent with hand-production and period character. The wooden storage box shows light age patina appropriate to its history.
Shipping
Ships from Japan. Each piece is carefully wrapped and double-boxed for safe international transit. Tracked shipping included. Estimated delivery: 7–14 business days. Please feel free to contact us with any questions prior to purchase.
International Orders
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost.
If applicable, these charges are determined by your country's customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer.
