Sometimes, it's the details that make all the difference when decorating a room, and that's certainly the case when it comes to adding Japanese-style vases. Traditional designs, which reflect understated and organic shapes alongside colors that range from earthy to rich, are a lesson on sophisticated, pared-back design.
"The result is a perfect balance of utility and beauty: a vase that not only holds flowers but also celebrates the life, texture, and seasonal charm of nature itself," explains interior designer Minako Bryson of Studio Kaimi.
If you're looking to bring the calming appeal of Japanese-style decor into your own home, a vase is a great place to start. Not all the vases you'll find out there to buy are authentically Japanese, undoubtedly, but often take inspiration from the tenets of Japanese ceramic design.
"Traditional Japanese vases are much more than decorative objects," explains Minako Bryson. "They reflect centuries of cultural values, especially a deep connection with nature and the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the passage of time. Originally made for ikebana (flower arranging) or tea ceremonies, these vases combine practicality with artistry."
According to Minako, the simplicity of traditional Japanese vases often allows the beauty of the arranged flowers to become the focal point. "Their shapes and finishes are designed to complement seasonal flowers and natural materials, enhancing the space around them rather than overwhelming it," she says.
When it comes to the most iconic shapes of Japanese vases, there is plenty of variety, "from simple cylindrical forms to rounded jar-like vessels", observes Minako. "Other common shapes include bottle forms with narrow necks, gourd-shaped vases, and intentionally asymmetrical or deformed forms that reflect the natural, imperfect beauty of wabi-sabi."
"Colors also vary widely: deep cobalt blue of Sometsuke, crisp white porcelain, muted black or brown iron glazes, vibrant green Oribe glazes, festive red and gold of Imari, and the soft, accidental gradients of natural ash glazes in Bizen or Shigaraki ware," says Minako.
Below, we've rounded up the most stylish modern vases that nod subtly to some of the features of Japanese design for you to shop, whether that be the color, shape, or overall simplicity.
Crafted from recycled iron with a rustic finish, this round vase would make a stylish addition to modern living rooms with a few cut stems displayed.
If you're looking for something minimal, this ceramic vase ticks lots of boxes, not least its organic shape, which feels in keeping with wabi-sabi.
Earthy color palettes feel instantly calm and sophisticated, such as this stylish warm brown hue. Complete with a wavy edge at the neck, its subtle details create an elevated look.
Display a selection of earthy shades with this set of glazed mini vases designed by Ferm Living, a great choice for smaller spaces, such as on a nightstand or bookshelf.
While Japanese vases are traditionally made from ceramics, this glass vase makes a subtle nod to the style with its minimalist form and rounded shape.
For larger flower arrangements, this urn vase is a classic choice with its neutral color and glazed ceramic.
Blue is one of the most calming colors, and the gradient of this vase offers plenty of interest, while its wider neck is great for certain flower arrangements.
Go for a more traditional look with this bird motif vase from OKA, featuring a glazed inside to make it watertight.
The matte glaze on this clay urn vase offers a modern and minimalist look, a great way to add texture to neutral rooms.
Reflect the latest pattern trends in your home with this terracotta vase featuring stylish black and white stripes.
This muted blue hue offers a splash of color in a calming way, while its irregular form adds textural interest to a room.
The shape of this porcelain vase reflects the simplicity of traditional styles, while its floral and architectural motifs create an intricate look.
This minimalist terracotta vase allows you to elevate modern rooms with its simplistic form, and would look stunning with more colorful flowers arranged.
Embrace more of a rustic look with the crack and speckle detailing of this round vase, crafted with the Japanese firing technique, Raku.
If you're looking for something more abstract and unexpected, go for this square vase in a rich and earthy red-brown hue.
FAQs
What is a Japanese Imari vase?
"An Imari vase refers to a style of decorative porcelain originating from Arita, Kyushu, that became a major export from the 17th century," explains Yoko Kloeden, the founder of interior design studio Yoko Kloeden Design.
"Traditionally, these vases feature underglaze cobalt blue details overlaid with vibrant reds, golds, and other colors in enamel – a visually rich, ornate aesthetic known as Kinrande. The name “Imari” refers to the port from which these wares were shipped to Europe, where the style had significant influence – so much so that European and Chinese producers began to imitate it," Yoko continues.
Celebrating earthy colors and simplistic form, these Japanese-style vases offer timeless appeal to any room. For more Japanese design ideas, take a look at the clever Hanataba flower arranging gadget, or shop for Ikebana vases.
