Hanging flower vase (hana ike) by Ōtagaki Rengetsu

Hanging flower vase (hana ike) c. mid 19th century

ceramic

muted dark tone

natural stone pattern

structure

stone

sculpture

ceramic

japan

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpting

ruin

statue

This hanging flower vase, or *hana ike*, was crafted by the renowned Japanese artist Ōtagaki Rengetsu in the mid-19th century. The vase's unique form, resembling a gourd, is intricately carved with a delicate design and features a small opening at the top to hold flowers. It was made from *kintsugi*, a traditional Japanese technique of repairing pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The vase is a testament to Rengetsu's mastery of this artform and the beauty she found in the imperfections of nature.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Ōtagaki Rengetsu’s distinctive calligraphy is a subtle and elegant yet integral part of this hanging flower vase. While her professional career floundered for many years, it was only in her late forties and early fifties when this nun-turned-poet literally made her mark on ceramics of everyday objects that she became famous. Her poetry and calligraphic style has been emulated and forged and it is said Rengetsu had even signed forgeries as her own works in order to help other potters’ studios succeed. The poem on the vase reads: My happy times stretch out like a long cucumber; how many have there been' Rengetsu