Japanese Blue Green Porcelain Vase by Master Artist

About the Item

Exquisite Japanese contemporary Kutani decorative porcelain vase, hand painted in striking vivid Kutani traditional colors green, blue, yellow and red on a unique stunning shape, a signed masterpiece by the third generation master of a Kutani kiln with a history of more than 140 years. This artist's extraordinary life and works were celebrated in a 2002 exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s Sackler Gallery. Now in his 80s and uncompromisingly committed to the traditions of Kutani porcelain artistry, he jointly operates the kiln with his son. Notwithstanding his lofty achievements, the artist adamantly refuses the title of “master artist” and insists on calling himself a “mere artisan” committed to faithfully carrying forward the themes, techniques and the five colors (green, yellow, purple, deep blue, red) of the traditional Kutani palette that boast a history of over 360 years. He adheres to the traditional “single-firing technique” where sharply defined lines and contours are discarded in favor of a soft and subtle melding of colors and patterns. “What sets a masterpiece apart,” the artist explains, “is how close different colors come to spilling onto each other without actually doing so.” His uncompromising adherence to tradition takes him as far as to maintain a limited supply of “old Kutani clay” used in creating special orders for historically accurate pieces. The impurities in the old clay produce a “dusty beige hue” with random dark spots of iron oxide. The glaze is appropriately thickened to seal the impurities and prevent pockmarks, allowing the observer to meditate on the mysteries of random speckling. This superb piece boasts a mesmerizing hexagonal pattern in Stunning Kutani colors and adorned with bird and flower patterns, showcases the artistry of the single-firing technique that capitalizes on the subtle melding of colors to create the appearance of an exquisite piece of jewelry. This extraordinary porcelain piece comes in a custom made wooden case signed by the artist. Dimensions: H 10.5 in, D 9.5 in.

Dimensions:

Height: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Diameter: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Porcelain,Hand-Painted

Place of Origin:

Japan

Period:

21st Century

Date of Manufacture:

Contemporary

Production Type:

New & Custom(One of a Kind)