Vase with Tetsu-e Brushwork

This gracefully shaped vase begins with a stout base stretching up into a strong neck and ending with a small lip. A stalk of sugarcane, created using light, relaxed brushwork and tetsu-e (iron oxide glazing), adds a stylistic element to the piece. HAMADA Shōji’s inspiration came from his time living in Tsuboya, Okinawa, where his workspace was surrounded by cane fields. He depicted sugarcane realistically at first, but over time, his portrayals evolved into more abstract designs reflecting his creativity.