Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hand-Painted Ceramic Moon Flask Vase, c.1950s-1960s

Story

Post-war Japanese ceramicists in the 1950s embraced Western Modernism while drawing on their own rich calligraphic traditions. This piece marries an ancient 'pilgrim flask' shape with playful, abstract art meant to brighten post-war Western homes.

Maker / Origin

Produced for export during Japan's post-WWII manufacturing boom, this vase bears the underglaze 'Made in Japan' mark alongside a manufacturer's logo inside a diamond motif. Japanese potteries during this era were extraordinarily agile, rapidly translating European high art—like Miró's abstract surrealism—into fun, accessible studio pottery for export markets.

Condition & Value

Good vintage condition overall with clear fine crazing typical of glaze from this era. There is a small shallow glaze chip/flake along the bottom edge of the foot rim, visible on the underside photo, which slightly impacts value.