Ceramic Japan Crinkle Paper Bag Vase, White Porcelain

A white porcelain vase that looks exactly like a crumpled paper bag, by Makoto Komatsu; the series is in MoMA’s permanent collection.

Ceramic Japan casts this vase in plaster molds taken from real crumpled paper, so every crease, fold and rolled edge of a paper bag is captured in matte white porcelain. The joke lands from across the room, and up close it becomes a quietly beautiful object. The series earned worldwide acclaim, including a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The Medium vase measures 3.94 × 2.36 × 5.71 in, just right for a few stems, a single branch or a bunch of dried flowers. The larger size, 5.51 × 3.15 × 7.68 in, appears as a second option when it is available.

Specifications

• Brand: Ceramic Japan (Seto, Aichi, Japan)
• Model: Crinkle vase, white
• Designer: Makoto Komatsu
• Type: Flower vase
• Look: A crumpled paper bag, cast in porcelain from plaster molds
• Sizes: Medium 3.94 × 2.36 × 5.71 in; Large 5.51 × 3.15 × 7.68 in
• Material: White porcelain, matte
• Recognition: The series is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
• Made in: Japan
• Item numbers (MPN): Medium CJ-NSB-02; Large CJ-NSB-01

Features

• Paper-bag form cast in matte white porcelain
• Designed by Makoto Komatsu
• Series held in MoMA’s permanent collection
• Medium 3.94 × 2.36 × 5.71 in; Large 5.51 × 3.15 × 7.68 in
• Made in Japan

Best for

Short stems, a single branch, herbs from the garden or dried flowers on a desk, windowsill, kitchen counter or bedside table. It is a much-loved gift for designers, architects and anyone who appreciates wit in an object.

Who this is not for

• Large, tall bouquets: the Medium vase suits a few short stems.
• Anyone who wants a glossy finish: the porcelain is matte.
• The dishwasher or microwave: wash it by hand (our advice).

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and Japanese craft objects like this one earn their place by being used every day. Ceramic Japan was founded in 1973 in Seto, Aichi, one of Japan’s oldest pottery towns, and works with designers to turn traditional ceramic techniques into objects for everyday life. Its New Crinkle Super Bag vase, modeled on a crumpled paper bag, was selected for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Makoto Komatsu, born in Tokyo, studied craft design at Musashino Art Junior College, later taught as a professor at Musashino Art University (1999), and won the Exhibition Design Award at the 1st Mino International Ceramics Exhibition in 1986. He has shown widely in Tokyo and at international exhibitions, including the World Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition in Shanghai and the 4th World Ceramic Biennale in Korea.

Buy once: durability and care

Change the water often and wash the inside with a soft brush and mild soap. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth; the creases can collect dust, so a soft brush helps. Hand wash only (our advice).

Frequently asked questions

Is the Crinkle vase made of paper?

No. It is porcelain, cast from plaster molds that capture the creases of a real paper bag, so it holds water like any vase.

How big is the Crinkle vase?

Medium measures 3.94 × 2.36 × 5.71 in; Large measures 5.51 × 3.15 × 7.68 in.

Is the Crinkle vase really in MoMA?

Yes. The series has been included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Who designed the Crinkle vase?

Makoto Komatsu, the Tokyo ceramic designer and former Musashino Art University professor.

What flowers suit the Crinkle vase? (our styling advice)

A few short stems: ranunculus, tulips, a sprig of eucalyptus or olive, or dried grasses.

Is the Crinkle vase a good gift?

One of our favorites: it is witty, museum-recognized and easy to love for anyone, from new homeowners to design professionals.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, stylists and hospitality buyers can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Ceramic Japan and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and help sourcing in quantity. Applying takes about three minutes, and our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.