– Asano Masaru: respected Mashiko pottery artist – Senmon (line pattern) design – restrained linear decoration – Mashiko: folk craft centre revitalised by Hamada Shōji and mingei movement Summary: This elegant vase by Asano Masaru exemplifies contemporary Mashiko pottery's fusion of folk craft vitality and refined artistic sensibility. The senmon (linear pattern) decoration demonstrates restrained aesthetic judgment – enough visual interest to enliven the form without overwhelming its essential simplicity. Mashiko pottery gained international recognition through Hamada Shōji (1894-1978), Living National Treasure and mingei (folk craft) movement leader who established his kiln there in 1924. Asano works within this lineage, creating functional ceramics that honour craft traditions while expressing individual artistic voice. The unused condition and dedicated storage suggest the piece was acquired as collectible art rather than daily-use vessel, reflecting Mashiko's dual identity as both working pottery centre and destination for serious collectors. Mashiko occupies special territory in Japanese ceramic history – neither ancient kiln site like Bizen or Shigaraki, nor purely modern studio pottery centre, but rather a regional folk craft tradition elevated to fine art status through association with the mingei philosophy. This transformation created unique conditions where rustic forms and materials could carry sophisticated aesthetic and philosophical weight. Hamada Shōji's decision to establish his workshop in Mashiko (rather than Kyoto or Tokyo) signalled deliberate rejection of urban refinement in favour of rural authenticity and craft vitality. He advocated for anonymous beauty – works emerging from intuitive skill rather than intellectual pretension, pieces improved through use rather than pristine preservation. Subsequent generations of Mashiko potters inherited this philosophy while developing individual styles, creating diverse body of work unified by commitment to direct expression, natural materials, and functional forms. Asano's senmon decoration technique involves incising or applying linear patterns that animate surfaces without obscuring underlying clay body or glaze qualities. The approach reflects Japanese aesthetic principles valuing suggestion over statement, restraint over exuberance. The vase's proportions suit both ikebana arrangements and casual garden flowers, making it versatile for seasonal display and varied floral materials. The form's understated elegance ensures it never competes with its contents while providing sufficient presence to stand alone when empty. In contemporary interiors, Mashiko ceramics bridge multiple collecting interests – mingei folk craft, Japanese studio pottery, functional design objects, and East-West hybrid aesthetics. The warm earth tones and honest material expression complement Scandinavian design principles, while the form vocabulary and making philosophy connect to Japanese craft traditions. For collectors building thoughtful ceramics collections or seeking singular pieces with clear artistic lineage, Asano's work offers quality, authenticity, and versatility rare in contemporary production. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1268