What is Japanese Tokoname pottery?

Tokoname ware is a traditional style of Japanese ceramic produced in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, which is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, renowned for using iron-rich red clay.

How are red clay Tokoname vases constructed?

These ceramics are crafted using local clay high in iron content, often remaining unglazed or burnished, and fired at high temperatures to create a durable stoneware body with high-relief carved motifs.

How do you identify authentic Tokoname pottery from the early 20th century?

Authentic period pieces feature distinctive matte terracotta surfaces, fine hand-carved or molded dragons and mythical creatures, and occasionally incised maker signatures or impressed stamps near the base.

How can antique Tokoname ceramics be styled in a modern interior?

The textured red earthenware vessels add warm earthy tones and geometric silhouette contrast when displayed on modern sideboards, mantelpieces, or open shelving units.

How should unglazed red clay ceramics be cleaned and maintained?

Dust unglazed stoneware gently using a dry soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, avoiding liquid solvents, harsh detergents, or prolonged soaking in water to protect the porous material.

for sale €350 $380

£299

Artsonline

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2018

Browse dealers 332 items

About Us

Specialising in fine art & quality pottery - worldwide delivery - secure payments

Id #SA1234833

PDF

SAVE

Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Name: Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234833
Price: 299 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Brief Description:

This is a superb and highly decorative pair of antique Japanese Tokoname red-clay vases, dating to the Taishō/early Shōwa period, circa 1920s–1930s.

Of beautifully matched squat baluster form, each vase is finely decorated in relief against a wonderfully textured ground, one depicting a Japanese dragon and its companion a phoenix, creating a particularly striking and symbolic pairing.

The decoration is exceptionally tactile, with the dragon and phoenix standing proudly on the stippled surfaces of their bodies. Further finely incised scrolling decoration surrounds the shoulders and necks, providing an attractive contrast against the richly textured clay.

The warm, natural Tokoname red-brown clay gives the pair a wonderfully understated appearance, while the combination of dragon and phoenix imagery makes them especially decorative when displayed together.

Both stand upon neatly formed circular foot rims and remain unmarked to the bases.

A very handsome and unusual pair of Japanese ceramics, displaying beautifully as a true pair.

Attributes:

Japanese

Tokoname ware

Red clay/stoneware

Dragon & Phoenix decoration

Taishō / Early Shōwa Period

Circa: 1920s–1930s

Condition:

Good antique condition with minor age-related surface wear and imperfections commensurate with age and manufacture.

Note: There is one small chip to the rim of one vase - see images.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 6'' | 15.2 cm

Width: 5.4'' | 13.7 cm

Depth: 5.4'' | 13.7 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome

Image result for payments accepted logos

Secure-Payment-VPADeb-sa-la-go-th-et-an-gt-004586-BACS-Order-PayPal-M/Card

Physical Dimensions

Height

15.2cm (5.98")

Width

13.7cm (5.39")

Depth

13.7cm (5.39")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated these Japanese Tokoname Clay Vases to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234833

Dealers Notes

CONTACT US:

Please feel free to call us.

We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 01749 595 507

Mobile: 07784 085 135

Outside the UK:

Tel: 0044 1749 595 507

Cell: 0044 7784 085 135

PAYMENT:

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Square and Bank transfer (BACS).

Description

Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Brief Description:

“

This is a superb and highly decorative pair of antique Japanese Tokoname red-clay vases, dating to the Taishō/early Shōwa period, circa 1920s–1930s.

Artsonline

fig 1. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 1. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Of beautifully matched squat baluster form, each vase is finely decorated in relief against a wonderfully textured ground, one depicting a Japanese dragon and its companion a phoenix, creating a particularly striking and symbolic pairing.

fig 2. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 2. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

The decoration is exceptionally tactile, with the dragon and phoenix standing proudly on the stippled surfaces of their bodies. Further finely incised scrolling decoration surrounds the shoulders and necks, providing an attractive contrast against the richly textured clay.

fig 3. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 3. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

The warm, natural Tokoname red-brown clay gives the pair a wonderfully understated appearance, while the combination of dragon and phoenix imagery makes them especially decorative when displayed together.

fig 4. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 4. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Both stand upon neatly formed circular foot rims and remain unmarked to the bases.

A very handsome and unusual pair of Japanese ceramics, displaying beautifully as a true pair.

Attributes:

Japanese

Tokoname ware

fig 5. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 5. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Red clay/stoneware

Dragon & Phoenix decoration

Taishō / Early Shōwa Period

Circa: 1920s–1930s

Condition:

Good antique condition with minor age-related surface wear and imperfections commensurate with age and manufacture.

fig 6. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 6. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Note: There is one small chip to the rim of one vase - see images.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 6'' | 15.2 cm

Width: 5.4'' | 13.7 cm

Depth: 5.4'' | 13.7 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

fig 7. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 7. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

fig 8. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 8. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

fig 9. A pair of unglazed terracotta red clay vases featuring detailed relief carvings of dragons with narrow flared necks. — fig 9. Pair Antique Japanese Tokoname Red Clay Dragon & Phoenix Vases – C.1920–30

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.