■ 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 work bears the artist’s name Ryūzan and is accompanied by its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box). In Japanese ceramic tradition, the tomobako serves as a certificate of authenticity, personally inscribed and sealed by the artist. Such boxes confirm authorship, title, and artistic intent. Shigaraki ware is entirely handmade. The clay body, shaping, trimming, and kiln placement are executed individually, and the final surface is created through wood-firing, where flame and natural ash interact directly with the clay. No two firings yield identical results, making each work singular and unrepeatable. ■ Estimated Period: Showa period (1965–1985) — a time when Japanese studio potters revitalized medieval kiln traditions, embracing expressive wood-firing techniques and reasserting the sculptural presence of functional vessels in both domestic and international art markets. ■ Description: Shigaraki ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, celebrated since the 13th century for its feldspar-rich clay, organic textures, and dramatic natural ash effects. Unlike heavily glazed ceramics, Shigaraki relies on the transformative power of fire. During wood-firing, ash melts onto the surface, forming natural glassy deposits and complex tonal transitions ranging from deep umber to golden earth. Ryūzan, working within this lineage, embodies the philosophy of material honesty central to Shigaraki tradition. The title “Uzukumaru,” meaning “to crouch” or “to huddle low,” refers to the vessel’s grounded, compact silhouette. In ceramic terminology, an uzukumaru form suggests quiet strength, humility, and a meditative presence close to the earth. As a hanaire (flower vase), this piece is intended for ikebana, yet its sculptural mass and powerful shoulder give it equal presence as a standalone art object. The broad, low body stabilizes the composition visually, while the slightly flared mouth allows refined floral arrangement. The interplay of rough clay texture and natural ash glaze creates a surface alive with movement—evidence of flame paths and kiln atmosphere. The inclusion of the original tomobako elevates the work’s collectability, confirming both authorship and artistic designation. For European collectors, this piece represents not merely a vessel but a distilled expression of postwar Japanese ceramic modernism rooted in medieval tradition. ■ Expert’s Insight: The uzukumaru form is particularly valued among serious collectors for its sculptural density and architectural balance. Ryūzan’s interpretation emphasizes mass over ornamentation, allowing fire to act as co-creator. The natural ash pooling along the shoulder and the subtle vitrification near the base indicate careful kiln placement and mastery of firing conditions. Works of this caliber appeal strongly to collectors who appreciate the convergence of wabi aesthetics and modern studio ceramic innovation. The presence of a signed tomobako significantly enhances long-term provenance stability and market confidence. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This piece is vintage. Minor surface irregularities, kiln marks, and natural variations in glaze are inherent to traditional wood-fired Shigaraki ware and are not flaws. They are integral to the aesthetic philosophy of the medium and confirm authentic firing methods. ■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.