Japanese vases come in a plethora of styles, from the traditional to the modern. Flowers have been used as decoration in Japanese culture since ancient times, and so a wide variety of vases have come into existence to satisfy this historical need. We have scored several Japanese vases based on price, quality, craftsmanship, and design to aid you in your shopping journey.
1. Shigaraki Japanese Ceramic Ware. Ikebana Flower Vase. Hakugin. 1-2545
Score: ★★★★★
The “Shigaraki'' in the product’s name refers to Shigaraki ware, a traditional type of Japanese pottery that is produced in Shiga Prefecture. Shigaraki ware is most well known for its reddish-brown color with no glaze, but pieces like this vase that uses glaze and has a more modern design have grown in popularity in recent times. The price is very reasonable considering the size and quality, and as it is a simple white color, it complements any type of room and flower.
Item Dimensions: 7.09” x 7.09” x 7.48” (18 cm x 18 cm x 19 cm)
Material: Ceramic
Brand: Shigaraki (Shigaraki ware)
Related article: ▶ Shigaraki Ware Guide: Japanese Ceramics (Pottery)
2. Flower Crystal (Blue On A White Background) Vase | Kyoto-Kiyomizu Wares
Score: ★★★★★
This modern-style vase is the result of fusing two kinds of pottery: Kyo and Kiyomizu wares, both of which are from Kyoto. The vase flares a bit vertically, which is a shape commonly seen in Japanese ceramics. The light blue beautifully complements the flowers placed into the vase, and brings a stylish, modern touch to a room. The price is just right considering the quality and size.
Item Dimensions: Φ3.94" * H9.06" (Φ10.0 cm * H23.0 cm)
Material: Porcelain
Brand: Touan (Kyoto-Kiyomizu Ware)
3. Kinsai One-Wheeled Nebuta | Tsugaru Vidro
Score: ★★★★★
Tsugaru Vidro is an Aomori Prefecture-designated traditional craft. Each piece is masterfully created by skilled craftspeople, making this quite a steal for the price. The contrast of the many different colors in this modern vase is gorgeous and a statement in itself, but is not showy enough to overpower the flowers.
Item Dimensions: φ3.93" * H10.03" (φ10.0 cm * H25.5 cm)
Material: Glass
Brand: HOKUYO GLASS (Tsugaru Vidro)
Related article: ▶ 5 Chopstick Sets and Utensils That Will Make You Fall in Love with Japanese Cutlery
4. Shigaraki Japanese Ceramic Ware. Ikebana Flower Vase. Zansetsu Fuji Large. 1-2605
Score: ★★★★☆
This vase is also a piece of Shigaraki ware. The gradual vertical gradation from white to black represents the snow-topped Mt. Fuji during the winter. It is not a flashy piece, but instead a wonderful representation of the traditional Japanese wabi sabi aesthetic, and it will surely bring a lovely traditional Japanese air to wherever you place it.
Item Dimensions: 5.51” x 5.51” x 17.52” (14 cm x 14 cm x 44.5 cm)
Material: Ceramic
Brand: Shigaraki (Shigaraki ware)
5. Kinsai Autumn Style Vase (Large) | Tsugaru Vidro
Score: ★★★★★
This vase is also a Tsugaru Vidro piece. It represents the changing of the four seasons in Japan, with the gradation from the warm to cool colors changing depending on the way the light hits the vase. The colors do not actually appear as vibrant when the vase is placed in a room, so it wonderfully complements different interiors and flowers. It is quite reasonably priced considering the quality.
Item Dimensions: φ10.03" * H10.23" (φ25.5 cm * H26.0 cm)
Material: Glass
Brand: HOKUYO GLASS (Tsugaru Vidro)
6. Wireless Cloisonne Universe 4.5 Ball-Shaped Water (Green) Single-Wheeled | Owari Cloisonne
Score: ★★★★★
Masterful craftspeople created this gorgeous vase with a type of ceramic called “Owari Cloisonne,” which allows for a beautiful deep green gradation effect. This is not the type of vase that is used to hold bouquets, but instead is an “ichirin-zashi”-style vase, which means that it is only meant to hold one or just a few flowers. It is a wonderful interior piece, and is priced very well considering its quality.
Item Dimensions: H5.31" (H13.5 cm)
Material: Copper, silver, glassy glaze
Brand: KATO SHIPPO SEISAKUSYO (Owari Cloisonne)
7. MAYU Blue | Blown glass
Score: ★★★★★
This piece can not only be used as a vase, but also as an interior decoration. It is part of a highly-regarded series of ceramics that has won awards at exhibitions, and the excellent design complements all sorts of interiors and stands beautifully wherever it is placed. Its price is a steal considering it’s part of a popular series of ceramics!
Item Dimensions: W3.94” * D3.94” * H9.06”. (Φ10.0 cm * H23.0 cm)
Material: Glass
Brand: Glass Studio Izumo (Blown glass)
8. Towada Autumn Leaves Jar | Tsugaru Vidro
Score: ★★★★★
This is another stunning Tsugaru Vidro piece that is inspired by the autumn foliage right before it falls. It is a gorgeous, large vase that would beautifully accessorize a reception room, or even an office. The price is extremely reasonable considering how much time and effort it takes to create this piece.
Item Dimensions: φ8.26" * H12.59" (φ21.0 cm * H32.0 cm)
Material: Glass
Brand: HOKUYO GLASS (Tsugaru Vidro)
Related articles:
▶ 3 Popular Japanese Lanterns to Spruce Up Any Living Room
▶ The Complete Guide to Traditional Japanese Crafts
If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer's website for more information.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.