These special vases were designed specifically for holding small branches displaying leaves from the Asian Sakaki tree (Cleyera japonica) which are placed on either side of a Shinto kamidana shrine. The foliage from this tree is important within the Shinto tradition as a religious altar display item, as the dark green sakaki leaves are appreciated for their evergreen appearance and hearty nature which are thought to impart a sense of abundance and longevity to the Shinto religious setting. The respect the Japanese hold for this tree is evident, as the word sakaki translates as “god tree.”

Arita is a town on the island of Kyushu which has been a center of Japanese porcelain production since the seventeenth century. With Arita blue and whites, the blue is produced from a cobalt or indigo pigment and is painted straight onto the biscuit, after which the piece is glazed and fired. Ceramics for everyday use were made at the same kilns that were producing highly ornate, purely decorative wares primarily for export. These humble vases often have greater appeal than export wares because they show a highly developed sense for matching materials, form and function with simple beauty.

CONDITION overall is very good. One vase is perfect; the second vase has an old firing star crack in the base and a small area of restoration (1/4”) on the lip which is greatly magnified in the enlargement photo. DIMENSIONS: 8” (20.3 cm) high, 3” (7.6 cm) diameter at shoulder.