Tenmoku Glazed Kyō-yaki Vase – Attributed to Miura Chikken, Japan, mid-20th century

A characterful Japanese vase attributed to Miura Chikken, created in Kyoto in the mid-20th century. The piece follows a compact, rounded form with a narrow rising neck, finished in a deep Tenmoku glaze that moves between black and warm brown. Fine speckling across the surface gives the vase depth and a quiet visual richness, while the overall silhouette remains calm and restrained.

• Dimensions: H 19.5 cm, Dia. 14 cm
  
• Material: Ceramics
  
• Designer: Miura Chikken (三浦竹軒, Miura Chikusen III)
  
• Color: Black, deep brown
  
• Era: Mid-20th century
  
• Origin: Kyoto, Japan
  
• Condition: Very good vintage condition; no chips, cracks, or restorations. Minor kiln and age-related irregularities consistent with handmade ceramics.
  
• Remarks: Artist’s seal on base; includes original signed tomobako (box).

This vase has the kind of depth that reveals itself slowly. The dark iron glaze catches light in a subtle way, somewhere between lacquer, wet stone, and tea-darkened bronze. Beautiful on a low wooden surface, in a quiet alcove, or beside lighter ceramics, where its compact form and rich surface can bring a grounded, contemplative note.

Miura Chikken (1900–1990), formerly Miura Chikusen III, was a Kyoto ceramic artist from the distinguished Miura pottery family. Active in the Kyō-yaki tradition, he produced tea wares, vases, and incense burners, and is noted for both classical glaze work and decorative Kyoto ceramics. He later worked under the name Chikken and was recognized in Japan as a preserver of traditional craft technique.