An elegant Tankoji-yaki vase bound in bamboo from the Tobe-yaki tradition of Shikoku. It is 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) diameter, 20 cm (8 inches) tall, and in excellent condition.
Tankōji porcelain, a type of Tobe ware from Ehime Prefecture, is known for its delicate, ivory-like body with a subtle yellow hue. Its production is technically challenging, resulting in limited quantities, and older pieces in good condition are rare due to crackling and fractures. In its original firing practice, there was a tendency toward crackling in the surface glaze. This was in fact, not intended, and pieces with this effect were not offered for sale. Later a bamboo artist bought the bulk of these fractured works, and bound them with thin cut bamboo. Once considered difficult to appreciate, its character was enhanced through this addition of woven bamboo wrapping. This highlighted its unique qualities and led to a renewed appreciation and popularity, and the combination was a dramatic hit. So much so that people sought out the bamboo bound works explicitly, and the kiln actually fell into financial decline (the basket maker had a field day!). However, unable to compete with modernization of production, the kiln closed during the Taisho era in the opening years of the 20th century.
