The first time you hold a piece like this, you understand why collectors across Europe and America hunt for decades to find just one example of Kenji Kato's turquoise-glazed work. This isn't merely a sake cup – it's a distillation of fifty years' mastery, where the deepest cerulean blues of the Aegean meet the technical brilliance of Japanese ceramic tradition. Kenji Kato (b. 1944) stands among Japan's most respected contemporary ceramic artists, working from his studio in Gifu Prefecture where the tradition of fine pottery stretches back centuries. His "Turquoise Blue" (トルコ青) glaze formula – a closely guarded secret involving copper oxide fired at precisely controlled temperatures – produces colours that shift from Mediterranean sky to deep ocean depending on the light. This sakazuki (ceremonial sake cup) exemplifies his signature aesthetic: clean lines, perfect proportion, and that mesmerising glaze that seems to contain liquid light. The piece arrives with both its original signed wooden box (kiri box) and protective cloth (tomobukuro), certifying its provenance directly from the artist's studio. Measuring approximately 8cm in diameter by 3cm in height, the cup sits perfectly in the palm, its weight and balance revealing the hand of a master who understands how ceramics should feel, not merely look. The foot ring is cleanly cut, the interior glazed with the same luminous turquoise that has made Kato's work highly sought after in Japanese department store exhibitions and private collections worldwide. What distinguishes this piece is the glaze's remarkable depth. Unlike mass-produced ceramics where colour sits on the surface, Kato's turquoise seems to emerge from within the clay body itself, creating an almost three-dimensional quality. Under natural light, subtle variations appear – darker pools near the rim, lighter halos where the glaze has pooled and broken during firing. These are not flaws but evidence of wood-fired authenticity, the dialogue between artist and flame that no electric kiln can replicate. For European collectors, pieces like this offer a bridge between worlds. The minimalist form speaks to Scandinavian design sensibilities, while the vibrant glaze colour complements contemporary interiors from London lofts to Parisian apartments. Display it on a white shelf and watch how it commands attention, or use it ceremonially for special occasions – the choice is yours, though many collectors find these pieces too precious for regular use. The condition is excellent, commensurate with careful private storage. The glaze shows no chips, cracks, or restoration. There is natural age-appropriate crazing in the glaze – fine hairline patterns that actually enhance rather than diminish value, as they prove the piece's authenticity and natural aging process. The box shows minor shelf wear consistent with its age, but remains structurally sound with all original inscriptions legible. Works by Kenji Kato have appeared in major exhibitions at Japan's most prestigious venues, including Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi department stores, where his solo shows draw serious collectors. His turquoise-glazed pieces remain particularly scarce in the Western market, as most are acquired by domestic collectors before leaving Japan. This represents a rare opportunity to acquire an authenticated example complete with original documentation. Context matters in Japanese ceramics. When you acquire a piece with its original box and cloth, you're not just buying an object – you're preserving a complete story. The box bears Kato's signature and seal, a guarantee that cannot be forged or replicated. For those building serious collections of contemporary Japanese ceramics, provenance like this is irreplaceable. The piece embodies what the Japanese call "yohaku no bi" – the beauty of empty space. The cup's interior creates a canvas where the turquoise glaze performs, while the exterior maintains restraint. This balance between exuberance and discipline reflects centuries of Japanese aesthetic philosophy compressed into a single small vessel. Collectors who respond to this particular shade of blue, who understand the rarity of finding Kato's work outside Japan with complete provenance, will recognize immediately what's being offered here. Opportunities like this appear perhaps once or twice a year at most. When they do, discerning collectors act decisively. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. This delicate ceramic will be wrapped in multiple layers of cushioning, placed in its original box, then secured in a larger outer carton with foam padding. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authenticated Japanese contemporary ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. The original signed box and provenance documentation accompany the work. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.