Japan, Porcelain vase by Inoue Haruo 1910- 1975

Born in 1953 in Seto, renowned for its long ceramic tradition, Shigekazu Nagae has established himself as one of the emblematic figures of contemporary abstract porcelain. Raised in a family of potters, he learned traditional ceramic techniques from a young age before transcending them with a resolutely modern approach. A graduate of the Seto ceramics school, he perfected his mastery of Ikomi, a porcelain casting technique, which he reinvented by integrating it into an innovative artistic approach. This vase, circa 1991, bears witness to this constant exploration of the material and aesthetic limits of porcelain. Its fluid form, enhanced by delicate undulations, seems to capture an eternal movement, evoking both the softness and tension of the molten material. These undulating patterns, forming a slight relief on the surface, already announce Nagae's current sculptural research, where forms, freed from all constraints, stretch and curve like waves frozen in time. Nagae's work, although deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, has won international recognition. His pieces are now included in the collections of some of the most prestigious museums in the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Musée National de Céramique in Sèvres, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In his most recent creations, Nagae continues his quest for the perfect form, transforming porcelain into a living, almost organic material. Each piece, although shaped by the chance of the firing process, is the result of a unique technical mastery and artistic vision, making Shigekazu Nagae an essential pioneer of contemporary ceramic art. Nagae uses casting, a technique traditionally associated with mass production. However, he diverts this process to shape forms, challenging the limits of the technique. As with this vase, his creations begin by casting rectangular pieces in slip, which are then left to dry and undergo an initial firing. The joints are then vitrified by the application of glaze, fusing the pieces into a single entity. He quickly progresses to abstract forms for which he uses the same technique and then suspends the slip sheets in his kiln using...

Japanese Ceramic Vase with Horses, Somayaki, Japan circa 1830 This rare two-handled baluster vase from the late Edo period is a typical example of Ōbori Sōma pottery. Its surface fe...

Akira Arakawa, born in 1950 in Hamamatsu and a graduate of Kokushikan University’s Department of Architecture, has carved a unique path in Japanese ceramics. Although trained in architecture, he is a self-taught ceramic artist, renowned for his exceptional mastery of crystallized glazes. This intricate technique demands precise temperature control, reaching extreme levels of 1250°C to 1300°C to melt the glaze components thoroughly. As the temperature slowly decreases, crystals emerge, forming delicate flower or snowflake patterns on the glazed surface. By adding zinc or rutile, Arakawa can manipulate the size and shape of these crystals. This meticulous process results in captivating works like this deeply carved vase, where blue crystals stand out against earthy backgrounds, creating striking contrasts between crystallized and vitrified areas. Arakawa’s technical excellence has earned him numerous accolades, particularly in Japan’s ceramic competitions and exhibitions. Arakawa’s work has been featured in prestigious events, including multiple selections for the Nissin Noodle Bowl...

Spectacular Vintage Japanese Porcelain Vase with underglaze Gold Leaf This vintage Japanese porcelain vase is a true marvel, adorned ...

A Chinese Lobed lantern form vase. The matte porcelain sides painted with peach blossoms, the peaches themselves with a flambe glaze. Marks to the base and body. Country of origin: C...

Aritaware porcelain vase, Fukagawa, Japan, 20th century. Octagonal shaped vase. Graphic wrapped tassel design in gold and deep red on white ground.

Rare and detailed piece. Banko pottery. This colorful ware was made for export to the West. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Vase Japanese Style: Sumida P...

A finely decorated and glazed Japanese porcelain vase by Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1900s Meiji Period. The vase is of a classic bottle form with baluster body and short neck. It was decorated with underglaze white magnolia blossom on a pleasant celadon background. The stamens of the flower were artistically rendered in a low relief, giving the design a realistic appeal with the dimension. Miyagawa Kozan...