Handcrafted Ceramic Lion Vase | Japanese craft | flower | Vase | Japanese craft | Made in Japan

With a dignified posture wrapped in a quiet, storytelling serenity, this Lion Vase brings a remarkable presence to any room.

Featuring a rich mane, a gentle expression, and decorative sculpting around the chest, it captures the essence of the animal without relying on superficial cuteness. It beautifully balances a powerful silhouette with a soft, welcoming aura.

Its elegant vertical form pairs naturally with botanicals. Whether hosting a single stem or a handful of wild greenery, the vase itself creates a "quiet landscape" within your space. Simply placing it on a shelf, entryway console, or living room table brings a grounded, peaceful rhythm to your home.

The Story Behind the Craft

This piece was crafted using rich Shigaraki red clay. The body is formed into a cylinder using a slab-building technique (tatara), while the detailed facial features and mane are sculpted entirely by hand.

The process is a true labor of love:

• Two bisque firings at 800°C (1472°F).

• A light misting of white slip (shiro-kesho), followed by an iron-red (tetsu-aka) glaze.

• The glaze is then carefully wiped away with a sponge, leaving behind a rich, layered texture where the raw clay, white slip, and glaze intertwine.

• A final 14-hour oxidation firing at 1240°C (2264°F).

After firing, the vase is coated with a liquid ceramic sealant, making it fully waterproof and secure for fresh flowers. Because of the unpredictable nature of the kiln—what we call the "gamble of the fire"—each vase emerges with a completely one-of-a-kind expression.

Artistry That Transcends "Cute"

What makes this animal sculpture so compelling is the ability to capture the very soul of the creature through exceptional structure and the warmth of hand-craftsmanship. In this piece, a majestic stillness dwells within its strong vertical lines, resulting in a mature, high-end work of art.

The top opening is designed for effortless arranging. It looks stunning when styled with dried florals or fresh greens, but it functions beautifully as a standalone sculpture, adding an artful and dignified rhythm to your home.

Note from Craft Ogawa: On our NEWS page, we share deeper stories that we couldn't fit here—including our long-standing relationship with the artist, the inspiration behind the work, and the thrilling "gamble" of the firing process. We invite you to read along and explore the journey behind the art.

Product Specifications

• Dimensions: W 2.9" × D 3.1" × H 8.7" (7.3 × 8.0 × 22.0 cm)

• Weight: Approx. 1.30 lbs (589 g)

• Material: Ceramic (Shigaraki Red Clay)

• Origin: Made in Japan (Saitama Prefecture)

• Ideal Use: Flower vase or standalone interior sculpture

Free shipping :
The product price includes shipping. You don't have to pay for shipping.
We ship our goods by EMS, a reliable door to door shipping service by Japan Post.

VAT / Import tax :
Our price does not include VAT nor any import tax.
Please pay it at your responsibility if required.
If you have a question, please feel free to ask us.
We are looking forward to your order.

About our store :
We are a select store with a long history, with a physical store in Akasaka, Tokyo.
We carefully select and sell wonderful products from all over Japan.

Because of its location in Akasaka, Tokyo, the store is visited by a great number of foreigners living in Japan and tourists from abroad.
The products we sell are purchased by the owner of the store, who is a connoisseur of ceramics and crafts, after thoroughly examining the products. In this sense, we are distinct from souvenir stores in many tourist destinations in Japan.
If you are able to select and purchase a wonderful Japanese craft from our selection, and if you are satisfied with the quality of the products, it will be worthwhile for us to carefully select and purchase them.

Craft Ogawa, Specialty Store
Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan
Mail:  craft.gallery.ogawa@gmail.com