This vase bulges generously in the middle and narrows toward the base. The neck curves slightly outward near the rim. On the shoulder, the design of a plum branch is incised. No other similar vase of this type exists. Tokoname ware began to be produced near Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture in the late Heian period. Tokoname is one of the six sites where the production of ceramic ware began in ancient Japan; this vase is a typical example. The vase is very hard due to being excellently bisque-fired, and is a mottled brown color.