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Hitoshi Morimoto
Bizen Vase
NOTIFY ME WHEN AVAILABLE
Description
This Bizen vase combines a softly swelling body with a restrained narrow neck, giving it a sculptural character. Crafted from iron-rich clay sourced from the Bizen landscape, it reveals subtle scorch marks and warm earthy tones from wood firing. Sanding and refinement by hand after the kiln process retains a gentle tactility that reflects Hitoshi Morimoto’s sensitivity to both material and form.
Stockist
AGOBAY Showroom ZurichBizen ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, known for its unglazed, high-fired stoneware and strong connection to place. Produced in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, this vase is fired for extended periods in wood-fuelled climbing kilns, where heat, ash and atmosphere interact unpredictably, creating surfaces that can never be repeated.
The clay’s fine porosity makes Bizen ware especially suited to everyday use. It has long been valued for holding water, keeping cut flowers fresh and enhancing foam in drinks, such as in beer.
Hitoshi Morimoto was born in Bizen and raised in a ceramic family before studying sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University and training in Mino. Bringing a sculptor’s eye to traditional materials, he creates functional forms that feel both timeless and at ease in contemporary living spaces.
Height: 19cm; diameter: 15cm
Bizen clay
Bizen ware is made for everyday use and becomes smoother and more pleasant to the touch over time. It can be cared for like other ceramics and cleaned with a firm brush, which helps keep the surface fresh. Neutral detergents are also safe to use. Traditionally used for water jars and grain storage, Bizen ware has long been associated with water, and many find that water stored in it keeps well. If you notice cracks, chips, or deep scratches, discontinue use, as these may weaken the piece and lead to breakage.
As our objects are crafted in small batches and often made to order by our artisans, we regretfully do not accept any returns.
