[{"id":173134184545,"handle":"container-for-beginner-ikebana-artists","updated_at":"2022-09-26T16:46:31-07:00","published_at":"2021-01-10T13:19:12-08:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Container for beginner Ikebana Artists","body_html":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChoosing an ikebana container can be tricky. Best container for you depends on the school and level you belong to and your sensei's style. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKathy and I am a potter who makes containers for all levels of experiences in most schools. The suggestions I write here are from our perspective as a container maker and with our at most respect to each schools and senseis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlease find reading material \u003cstrong\u003e\"Finding right right ikebana container for you\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2021-01-10T13:19:10-08:00","alt":null,"width":3960,"height":2640,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0130\/8619\/5812\/collections\/woman-in-office-looks-out-window.jpg?v=1610313551"}},{"id":262741426273,"handle":"past-sold-containers","title":"Past Sold Containers","updated_at":"2023-02-08T05:55:14-08:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2021-07-13T08:24:38-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Ikebana_Container"},{"column":"variant_inventory","relation":"equals","condition":"0"}],"published_scope":"global"}]
Feature: - A hand made ikebana container (Japanese Flower arrangement vase) made by Thomas Arakawa - Authentic, natural, organic glazing
- Deeper earthy clay tone and rich glaze color
Please visit Pottery-In-Action page to view examples by ikebana sensei and artists.
Product Detail SKU: 1228-027 Artist: Thomas Arakawa Material - Clay: Tan Stoneware Material - Glaze: Black and Chun Dimension (L x W x H): 12.5 x 12.5 x 3
Hand Made Process Design: We design each containers with functionality, usability and harmony in mind. The color and tone is kept low-key but interesting and authentic for the reason. We improve the functionality and ease of use of our containers through working with hundreds professionals and artists.
Throwing: This container is made on the potter's wheel by Thomas Arakawa individually. Shaping the form is done by just fingers and measure several times to make sure the dimensions are close to desirable size. When the piece is half dry state like leather-hard, surface is decorated by trimming, carving and fluted.
Glazing: Thomas and Kathy apply glaze individually by hand in order to get the authentic, natural, organic aesthetics. Each glaze has unique particular thickness and clay body selection makes variety of tones. We monitor specific gravity of the glaze (ratio between glaze and water) and application method and timing.
Firing: The container is finished with our high-fire reduction firing process which brings the deeper earthy clay tone and rich glaze color. During this 13-hours-long firing process, we reduce the oxygen level inside the kiln in varying degree from 1600F to 2300F. The result of the firing also depend on how kiln are loaded. The density and negative space between the pottery create channel for the flame to travel in various speeds. We use our understanding of the nature/tendency of flame in the kiln to control the atmosphere which each pottery should be in. As a result, our containers holds a low-key but complex deeper tone.
Water Testing: We test our containers by filling up with water for 24 hrs and check if there is any leak. However, it is hand made product so we cannot say 100%. But we have sold over 2000 containers and just few has water leaks/sweating problems and we replace all containers with leak with new containers. So we are confident that there would not be any issues.
Photo: Kenzan, Scissors and other items other than pottery is not included in purchase item.
This vase is glorious and earthy. I love the swirl design. We put it to use right away for a birthday party Ikebana with pine branch and carnations. Thank you for your skill and creativity.
This new finish on the Arakawa pottery is full of texture and subtle color perfect for all kinds of design. Right now it is filled with ten orange and pink big tulips. It is a WOW !!
Thank you for my collection of Arakawa containers.
We went to visit Arakawa pottery, they are located at a beautiful farm area above San Jose.
There were no signs at the time so you’ll have to just go up and knock the door, but it was awesome to see the pottery studio as well as the showroom. We got a whole tour of the place which the family really loved, and we bought several containers that we love - the shapes and glazes are unique, we are very happy to look at them every day.
Perfect oval shape, subtle wabi-sabi color with signature glaze pattern. Goes well with any braches and flower colors. I got lot of compliments. Enjoying using Arakawa ikebana containers!
Dear Ms. Kyte,
Thank you very much for the great review and the photo of your beautiful arrangement!
It was so nice to meet you and your friends! I hope you had safe trip to LA.
We hope to see you soon!
Sincerely yours,
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
09/25/2021
I recommend this product
Functional and beautiful ikebana container
I love this unusual compote container, its shape, its glaze, its dimensions. It accommodates a 4” round kenzan, plus it has 2 separating walls inside the vessel to facilitate fixing the plant material. The compote is quite substantial in size and in weight, which makes it possible to work with large branches, a big plus for me.
Hello, Ms. Luchanskaya,
Thank you very much for the great review about functionality of the container and a photo of your beautiful arrangement!
Thank you so much!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
09/25/2021
I recommend this product
Beautiful ikebana vases!
Thomas and Kathy were so helpful and friendly. They are very knowledgeable with ikebana vases and they have so many beautiful and unique vases.
I love this tall, metallic vase with windows. This allows me to create more layers with my arrangement. Very fun!
Hi Ms. Lin,
Thank you very much for the great review and a photo of your beautiful arrangement! So exciting to see our containers in use.
Once again, thank you very much!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
09/20/2021
I recommend this product
Great find at Clay & Glass Fair
This piece is beautiful with a blend of modern and Asian influences. Works really well with flower arrangement as a vase. Flowers look like a work of art in the vase (using a floral frog). I love it.
Hi Ms. Lau,
Thank you very much for a great review and a photo of your beautiful arrangement! We are happy to see our vase is receiving love.
Once again, thank you vey much!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
09/19/2021
I recommend this product
Love the shape! Love the weight!
In my opinion, it is designed for asymmetrical arrangements. It is not heavy, but it is heavy enough to extend materials in an unbalanced way as for Ikebana. It is very small, allowing an intimate arrangement.
Very pleased!
Hi Ms. Tuckerman
Thank you very much for a great review and photo of very cute arrangement. I know that small arrangement is very hard to do. I am so happy to see my vase is used in your life.
Thank you very much!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
09/19/2021
I recommend this product
Vase
We love the vase. Thomas was a lot of fun to work with. He offered valuable advice and was patient with our questions.
Hi Ms. Oza,
Thank you very much for great review and beautiful photo! Are these hand grafted flower. Matches our vase perfectly.
We hope to see you soon!
Thank you very much!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
09/09/2021
I recommend this product
Wonderful!
I’m always on the lookout for interesting Ikebana containers and this one fits the bill! I love the shape, color, and glaze, and it arrived quickly. Highly recommended!
Hi Tistra,
We miss see you at flower shows! Thank you very much for the great review. Honestly, the glaze and shape came out great on the container. I am glad you grab it right-away! :)
Thank you very much! I hope to see you some day in-person!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
08/31/2021
I recommend this product
Absolutely Beautiful
Fantastic and friendly Thomas and Kathy both and the pottery pieces have been wonderful additions to my life!!! I use the food ware most days and ikebana containers as well! The Tea ware has been amazing from the tea bowls to the originally ikebana, that I chose to use as standing “tea boat “ in my Japanese Tearoom and named “Kazekusa”, Grasses in the Wind from the beautiful design!
The the person with the “Too Deep” vase, perhaps use stones or perhaps for Sogetsu style? Or Chabana? So many ways to be innovative with these pieces!!!
Hi David!
Thank you very much for a review and suggestions.
You are one of my oldest customer and friend for Cherry Blossom Festival, my debut show. Thank you very much for supporting us for 10 years.
Kathy and I have a lot more to learn. And we do make mistakes. But we would not stop learning and making improvement.
Once again, thank you very much! I sincerely wish continue friendship for another 10 years or 20!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
08/23/2021
I recommend this product
Excellent Ikebana vase
The quality is superb! Kathy and Thomas showed us their facility, everything is handmade there. I love using their Ikebana vases for my flower arrangement. I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
Hi Ms. Ling,
Thank you very much for a enthusiastic review! We are looking forward to see you arrangement!
And we are glad you also liked our studio tour! Please feel free to come by any time.
Once again, thank you very much!
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa
08/18/2021
I recommend this product
Mixed Satisfaction.
Beautiful glazes, nice size, except the bowl is too deep for my taste. I am used to bowls in this style being about half as deep. Most KENZAN in the ikenobo school in vases of this circumference are much more shallow and the circumference of the bowl itself is too big.
I am a fairly inexperienced (7 year) arranger. It could be that with time I will find a use for it. Right now, however, it is awkward.
Hi Ms. deNoyelles,
Thank you very much for the review. And I am so sorry that the container is too deep for you. It is because of my lack of experience.
If you would give us another chance, we would like to make shallower version for you. Let us know if you are interested in.
Once again, thank you very much for your honest review.
Thomas and Kathy Arakawa