An exquisite, large celadon porcelain vase by Katô Kasen 加藤華仙 (1895–1946). The vase is of rounded urn shape and decorated with bands of lotus leaves in low relief. On four sides a cicada is subtly worked into the design in a deeper blue tone. The base sealed ‘Kasen’ 華仙. Dimensions: Height 34.5 cm, Diameter 29 cm Period: Japan – 1930s-1940s (Early Shôwa period) In excellent condition. Please refer to the images for a clear condition reference. Complete with its original signed and sealed tomobako 供箱 inscribed: “Ofuke-glaze vase with leaf and cicada design – Kasen” 御深井釉 草葉蝉文花瓶 華仙. Katô Kasen was an important Seto potter of the early 20th century. A graduate of the Aichi Prefectural Ceramics School (1913), he began working seriously as a ceramic artist in the late 1920s. He co-founded the Shuntô-kai 春陶会, a research group that played a key role in advancing modern Seto ceramic art, and later helped establish the Seto Ceramic Art Association (1936) together with leading artists such as Itaya Hazan. Kasen exhibited widely, being selected for major exhibitions including the Teiten/ Shin-Bunten, and in 1946 (shortly before his passing) he became the first Seto potter to receive a prize at the Nitten. He is primarily known for Seto stoneware, while pieces in Ofuke glaze (such as this example) are considerably rarer. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.