A vessel of quiet poetry, where cascading washes of turquoise, teal, and indigo mingle like morning mist across a spring meadow, anchored by a sunlit golden base. Description: This footed sake cup (takahai) presents a distinctive form combining a deep, gently tapered bowl with an octagonal pedestal foot. The bowl rises from its base with graceful curves, culminating in a subtly irregular rim that invites the hand. The overall silhouette creates an elegant goblet-like presence, the conical body balancing above its geometric foot. The glaze treatment employs the sansai (three-color) technique with striking effect. Soft washes of pale mint green, turquoise, and deep teal flow down the exterior walls, punctuated by dramatic vertical streams of deep indigo and cobalt blue that pool and gather as they descend. These darker tones create atmospheric depth, evoking the impression of rain falling through forest canopy. The colors blend and merge naturally, with fine crazing patterns (kannyu) visible throughout the glaze surface, adding an organic texture. Areas of milky white and pale cream appear where the glazes thin, revealing subtle undertones. The exterior features incised floral motifs—delicate flower blossoms with curving stems and leaves—that emerge through the glaze, their outlines softened by the layers of color. These carved designs catch the pooling glazes, accentuating their forms in varying shades as the colors settle into the incised lines. The interior displays a complementary palette, with the deeper teal and indigo tones concentrating toward the center well, while softer mint and cream tones wash up the walls toward the rim. The contrast between the interior's depth and the exterior's luminosity creates visual interest from every angle. The octagonal foot stands in deliberate contrast to the fluid glazework above. Left unglazed, it displays a warm golden-ochre clay body with a matte, textured surface. The faceted sides are hand-carved with subtle irregularities that speak to the handmade nature of the piece. Within the foot, an impressed rectangular seal mark identifies the artist. The work comes complete with a fitted paulownia wood storage box (tomobako) bearing the artist's brushed inscription and red seal, a printed biographical leaflet (shiori), and a saffron-colored protective cloth (shifuku). Cultural & Art Context: The sansai (three-color) technique has deep historical roots, originating in Tang Dynasty China (7th-8th century) before spreading across Asia and evolving in each region. In Japan, this polychrome lead-glaze tradition was revived and reinterpreted by modern ceramic artists who value its capacity for fluid, painterly effects. Contemporary Japanese sansai work often emphasizes the spontaneous interaction of glazes during firing, creating effects that cannot be fully predicted—a quality that resonates with the Japanese aesthetic appreciation of controlled accident (yōhen). Takahai (footed cups) represent a distinctive vessel form that elevates the drinking experience both literally and figuratively. The raised form allows the cup to be cradled elegantly, while the foot provides stability. This form has historical associations with ceremonial drinking vessels and continues to be favored by sake enthusiasts who appreciate the intersection of functional design and artistic expression. Collector Appeal: This work exemplifies the contemporary Japanese approach to traditional techniques—honoring historical methods while pursuing individual artistic expression. The combination of fluid sansai glazework with incised floral decoration and a dramatically contrasting unglazed foot creates a piece of considerable visual impact. Works by artists recognized by the Japan Kōgei Association carry the assurance of technical mastery within established craft traditions. Artist Profile: Ōkōchi Yasuhiro (大河内泰弘) is a Japanese ceramic artist and full member of the Japan Kōgei Association (日本工芸会正会員). According to the accompanying biographical leaflet, he was born in 1952 in Saga Prefecture and graduated from the ceramics department of Tokyo University of the Arts (東京芸術大学). He completed the graduate program at the same institution. His works have been selected for the Tōhoku/East Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition (東日本伝統工芸展) and the Japan Ceramic Art Association Exhibition (日本陶芸展). He has served as a jury member for the Aichi Prefecture Educational Committee and other educational bodies. He operates his studio, Chōsai Tōbō (潮彩陶房), in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture. Shipping / Policy: Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Guarantee: Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.