Vintage - Hagi Ware Lid Rest

This Lid Rest, crafted by the renowned Hagi-yaki potter Tahara Tōbei XII, embodies the essence of traditional Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics. The piece, likely produced between the mid to late 20th century, showcases the signature rustic elegance of Hagi ware with its soft glaze in warm beige and light brown tones. The natural variations in the glaze and texture create a harmonious balance between simplicity and sophistication, a hallmark of the Hagi-yaki tradition.

The futaoki’s form is both functional and symbolic, designed to rest the lid of a tea kettle (kama) during a tea ceremony. The bottom bears the artist's stamp, confirming its authenticity as a creation of Tahara Tōbei XII, the 12th-generation potter in the prestigious Tahara family lineage from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Tahara Tōbei XII was instrumental in both preserving and advancing the Hagi-yaki tradition, making this piece a valuable collectible and a testament to his masterful skill.

Details

• Size: D5cm x H5cm (D1.9in x H1.9in)
  
• Material: Pottery
• Origin: Made in Japan  
• Period: Mid 20th century
• Author: Tahara Tōbei XII
  Signature: Artist’s seal (stamped at the base)