Terracotta Republic
Ikebana Vase
Ikebana Vase
✦ One of a kind item
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This Ikebana vessel is designed as a sculptural foundation for the art of living flowers. Rather than functioning as a neutral container, the form actively participates in the arrangement—supporting line, balance, and negative space while remaining visually grounded in its own right.
Each piece is handmade in stoneware and fired to maturity, emphasizing subtle surface variation, weight, and presence. The proportions are intentionally restrained to allow the stems to define the composition, while the vessel anchors the arrangement with quiet authority.
The included 1.25" stinless steel kenzan (pin frog) in this form supports both minimalist and expressive arrangements. Whether holding a single branch or a complex seasonal composition, the vessel invites slow looking and intentional placement.
Details
Details
- Maker
- Michelle
- Material
- Wheel-thrown/Hand sculpted stoneware
- Finish
- Hand-applied glaze / oxidation firing
- Dimensions
- Approx. 6" W × 5" D × 5" H
- Capacity
- Suitable for fresh floral arrangements
- What's Included
- ikebana vase with 1.25 in. stainless steel pin frog
Care, Use & Process
Care, Use & Process
These ikebana vessels are handmade in our studio using wheel-thrown or hand-built stoneware and fired in an oxidation kiln for strength and durability. Subtle variations in form and surface are part of the handmade process and make each piece unique.
Designed for simple ikebana arrangements, the vessel is typically used with a flower frog or pin holder to support stems and branches. After use, rinse with clean water and allow the piece to dry.
Avoid leaving water in the vessel for extended periods when not in use, and clean gently if natural mineral deposits or plant residue develop over time.
Shipping & Handling
Shipping & Handling
Each piece is carefully packed by hand in our studio using protective materials suitable for fragile ceramics. Shipping within the United States is included in the listed price.
Orders typically ship within a few business days. If a piece arrives damaged in transit, please contact us and we will make it right.
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Ikebana: The Art of Living Flowers
The Concept
Ikebana (生け花, "living flowers") is the Japanese art of floral arrangement, rooted in 6th-century Buddhist rituals. Unlike Western floristry, which emphasizes a mass of blooms, Ikebana focuses on line, shape, and negative space. It is a disciplined practice where the vase is not just a container, but a foundation that completes the sculpture.
The Three Pillars
Most Ikebana systems utilize three main stems to represent the cosmic order:
- Shin (Heaven): The tallest stem, representing the spiritual realm.
- Soe (Man): The intermediate stem, providing balance.
- Hikai (Earth): The shortest stem, grounding the arrangement.
The Design Intent
For the Terracotta Republic Ikebana series, Michelle focuses on sculptural forms that serve the kenzan (pin frog). By utilizing the potter's wheel, hand-building, and sculptural techniques, she creates a ceramic canvas that allows the arranger to focus on the "MA"—the space between the stems—creating a living sculpture that changes as the water is absorbed and the petals shift.
