**Title:** “Shigaraki Tokkuri” – Signed – **Artist:** Minoru Ota (太田實), a Shigaraki ware ceramic artist active in the late Shōwa to Heisei period This is a tokkuri in which the powerful scenery unique to Shigaraki ware, born from flame and clay, appears vividly. The natural ash glaze on the surface, scorching, and gradations of fire color are truly the very traces of the flame itself. It is a tokkuri with a charming, rounded presence, as if it were born directly from the earth. It is well suited not only as a sake vessel for enjoying Japanese sake, but also as a single-flower vase or flower vessel. By adding herbs or wildflowers, the earthy texture of the clay and the vitality of the plants enhance one another, bringing a quiet sense of depth to the space. [Product Details] Size: Height 10.5 cm, Diameter 10 cm Weight: 335 grams Accessories: Signed tomobako (original wooden box), tomofuku (cloth) Condition: There is little sign of use, and the condition is good. Cultural / Artistic Background: Shigaraki ware is created by firing clay from ancient strata formed by the uplift of the lakebed of Lake Biwa. It is born at the place where the memory of the earth meets the chance of fire. Rather than seeking perfection, it accepts the fleeting scenery of melting ash. This sense of decisiveness has reflected the core of Japanese aesthetics. Appeal: This tokkuri functions not only as a vessel for pouring and enjoying Japanese sake, but also as a single-flower vase or an interior object. It allows one to experience, through all five senses, the roughness and simplicity unique to hand-built work, along with the unmistakable feel of the clay. Important Notes: The item will be carefully packed and shipped via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx depending on circumstances. Delivery usually takes approximately three weeks. Import duties, taxes, and fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Customs or the shipping company may contact you by phone or email for customs clearance procedures. Please make sure you are able to answer the phone. If the phone is not answered, the package will be returned to me, and reshipping will require double the original shipping cost. Combined shipping is not available. If you purchase multiple items from the same seller in this auction, combined shipping cannot be arranged. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.