Ikebana Vase

Where a dancer's hands bring clay to life

This unusual vase echoes the 15th century Japanese style of displaying flowers in an organic way -- as they grow. The Japanese translation of "Ikebana" simply means "flowers kept alive." The short, wide vase provides a decorative water source and support to exhibit living flowers, stems, and leaves in their natural alignment. Frequently, only a single flower is featured, so it can be fully appreciated in its entirety and enhanced by the ceramic artwork below.

As hummingbirds seem to appear on almost all EarthDances Pottery, it is not a surprise to see them hovering near the flower arrangement, as well as in the leaves and flowers painted on the vase. Where does the vase end and the floral arrangement begin? In the moment of answering this question, the hummingbirds on the vase seem to merge with the living flowers, letting the viewer's imagination wander into a whimsical dance.

This ceramic vase was created with a secure "foot" to stabilize it and give it the appearance of floating slightly off its supporting structure. After the entire surface of the ikebana was painted with pigmented liquid clay, the piece was fired; then it was glazed with a water-tight glaze and refired to set the artwork into the clay and give a satin finish to the pottery.

A recreation of this vase is available by special order from my online shop

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