■ Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. ■ Authenticity & Handcrafted Nature: This flower vase is a fully handcrafted work produced by skilled Shigaraki artisans using traditional wheel-throwing and high-temperature wood- or gas-firing techniques. The vessel was individually shaped, carefully refined, and finished with layered glazes and gold decoration applied by hand. Subtle variations in thickness, surface texture, and glaze tone testify to its authenticity as a genuine studio-crafted ceramic. No two examples are identical, making this piece a unique artistic creation. ■ Estimated Period: Late Shōwa to early Heisei period (1980–2000) — a period when Shigaraki ceramic artists actively reinterpreted classical rustic aesthetics through contemporary studio pottery, integrating traditional firing methods with refined decorative expression. ■ Description: What Is Shigaraki Ware? Shigaraki ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, with origins dating back to the 12th century in Shiga Prefecture. It is celebrated for its coarse clay, natural ash deposits, fire marks, and understated wabi-sabi beauty. Historically used for tea wares and architectural ceramics, Shigaraki developed into a major center of artistic stoneware in the modern era. About Mihō (美峰) Mihō is a kiln and artistic name associated with studio potters working within the Shigaraki tradition. Works bearing this signature are known for combining robust clay bodies with refined surface treatments, bridging folk craft sensibility and contemporary ceramic art. Meaning of “New Moon” (Shingetsu) “New Moon” symbolizes renewal, quiet energy, and the beginning of cycles in Japanese aesthetics. In this work, the motif is expressed through a sweeping arc of gold decoration, evoking the delicate crescent emerging from darkness. Form: Flower Vase (Kabin) This vessel features a rounded, moon-like silhouette with a narrow mouth, ideal for both ikebana and minimalist floral display. Its sculptural presence allows it to function as an independent art object even when unfilled. Design & Gold Decoration The deep black matte surface provides a dramatic backdrop for the hand-applied gold crescent. This luminous arc resembles a rising new moon against a night sky, creating a powerful visual contrast between darkness and light. The restrained use of gold reflects refined taste and elevates the piece beyond utilitarian craft into the realm of collectible art. Tomobako and Inscription The original wooden storage box (tomobako) bears the artist’s inscription and seal, confirming authorship, title, and provenance. Such boxes are essential for serious collectors and significantly enhance long-term value. ■ Expert’s Insight: This Mihō “New Moon” vase represents an exceptional synthesis of Shigaraki’s primal materiality and sophisticated decorative symbolism. The bold spherical form, combined with restrained gold ornamentation, reflects a mature artistic vision. Works of this type appeal strongly to international collectors seeking contemporary interpretations of Japanese ceramic tradition. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: As a handcrafted ceramic, this piece may exhibit natural kiln marks, glaze irregularities, minor surface variations, and subtle firing effects. These characteristics are inherent to authentic Shigaraki ware and should be appreciated as integral elements of its artistic identity. ■Shipping & Handling: We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.