Vase with two handles, Tamba ware

This is used for arranging and displaying flowers for tea ceremonies. The distorted shape, the handles attached at the top and the slanted designs carved onto the body using a spatula indicate that this may have been made to resemble a basket woven from cane or bamboo. This type of stark shape emphasizing distorted form reflects the taste of famous tea master, Furuta Oribe (1543－1615) and is commonly seen in tea implements from the same period.