A serene porcelain form where a wandering feline and golden rim meet soft, earthen tones. Description: This is an elegant Kutani-yaki vase crafted by the renowned Japanese ceramic artist Toshito Nakamura . The vase features a cylindrical form with a softly flaring rim, transitioning from white at the top to a gentle beige gradient at the base. On the front, a fluffy cat with striking blue eyes is delicately depicted, its expression and fur texture rendered with masterful finesse. The back maintains a simple, undecorated design that brings harmony and beauty to the overall piece. The rim is adorned with gold detailing, adding a refined touch. This masterpiece blends traditional Kutani-yaki techniques with contemporary sensibility, combining practicality and artistry. Cultural & Art Context: Kutani ware (九谷焼) is one of Japan’s most revered porcelain traditions, originating in the 17th century in Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its vibrant overglaze painting and bold use of color, Kutani ware has evolved through centuries while preserving its strong artistic identity. Toshito Nakamura, a contemporary master of this craft, brings a modern sensibility to traditional techniques. His hand-painted animal motifs, particularly cats, reflect a fusion of realism and whimsy that has become his signature. This piece, with its delicate tonal transition and detailed feline imagery, embodies the spirit of contemporary Kutani while honoring the roots of Japanese ceramic artistry. Collector Appeal: This vase appeals strongly to collectors of Japanese ceramics and animal-themed art due to its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistic expression. The hand-painted cat, with its lifelike gaze and soft fur detailing, is not only visually captivating but also emotionally engaging—a trait highly valued by collectors. The signature of Toshito Nakamura further enhances the work’s authenticity and desirability. As a decorative object, it seamlessly fits both classic and contemporary interiors, making it a versatile addition to any collection or home display. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed. No box included. Please review photos as they form part of the description. Dimensions: Diameter: 15.9 cm Mouth Diameter: 15cm Height: 24 cm Weight: 1500 g Artist Profile: Toshito Nakamura is renowned as a leading figure in Kutani-yaki's colorful fine detailed painting technique. Born in 1949 (Showa 24) in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture (formerly Neagami Town), he boasts a solid track record with numerous awards. ​ He developed a talent for painting from a young age, skillfully depicting figures, flowers, birds, wind, and moon with delicate brushstrokes. Using sparrows and other small birds as motifs, he employs soft mid-tone colors to realistically capture their fluffy feathers and expressive faces. The gentle gradations utilizing Kutani-yaki's traditional colors create elegant masterpieces that soothe the viewer. Award: 1984: First selection in the 7th Traditional Kutani-yaki Crafts Exhibition (selected consecutively thereafter). 1985: Rookie Award at the 38th Creation Exhibition. 1990: Hokuka Award at the 43rd Creation Exhibition. 1997 onwards: Consecutive selections in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Excellence Award at the 32nd Traditional Kutani-yaki Crafts Exhibition, 50th Commemorative Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Kanazawa Mayor's Award, Grand Prize at the 61st Creation Exhibition (2008). ​ Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.