Important – Please Read Before Bidding For a smooth and secure transaction, please carefully review the following information before placing a bid. ⸻ ● Import Taxes & Customs Duties All customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer. VAT paid on Catawiki is separate from local customs duties and import taxes. Please check with your local customs office in advance. ⸻ ■ Shipping & Packaging All items are shipped from Japan via Japan Post EMS (insured). If EMS is not available for your country, a private international courier will be used instead. Items are carefully packed to withstand long-distance international shipping. ⸻ □ Tax Code Requirement (EU and certain regions) After purchase, buyers may be required to provide a tax code (such as VAT number, fiscal code, etc.). Failure to provide the required tax code may result in customs delays or return of the parcel. ⸻ ◆ Damage & Shipping Issues If the item arrives damaged, please contact your local post office and Catawiki Support within 3 days of delivery. Before leaving feedback, please contact us first so we can assist you appropriately. ⸻ (Shipping to the United States) Currently, EMS shipping to the United States is suspended. A private international courier will be used instead. Please note that items containing batteries or bladed tools may not be eligible for shipment. ⸻ All items are shipped from Japan. This lot features a Seto ware ceramic plate depicting a catfish motif, created by Japanese ceramic artist Yukihiko Oe. The surface of the plate is decorated with a softly rendered image of a catfish (namazu), a creature traditionally associated in Japanese folklore with protection against earthquakes. The expressive brushwork is complemented by natural variations in glaze tone and crackle (crazing) formed during the firing process, resulting in a richly textured surface. This work is said to have been presented to the Imperial Household, and is accompanied by a biographical document as well as a newspaper article copy supporting its provenance. These materials provide valuable context regarding the artist’s career and enhance the cultural significance of the piece. The flowing glaze effects and tonal transitions characteristic of Seto ware are the result of natural kiln transformations during firing. Minor variations in shape and subtle asymmetry are inherent to the handcrafting process and should be regarded as intentional aspects of the artist’s style rather than imperfections. The artist’s signature can be found on the underside of the plate. The piece may be appreciated both as a decorative object and as an item suitable for use in tea or incense ceremony settings. ⸻ ■ Dimensions (approx.) • Diameter: approx. 15.2 cm • Height: approx. 2.5 cm Please allow for slight measurement discrepancies. ⸻ ■ Condition Minor surface wear, firing marks, and natural glaze variations consistent with age and handmade production may be present. These are typical characteristics of studio ceramics. No significant cracks or structural damage were observed. The original wooden box shows minor signs of age-related discoloration and wear. Please refer to the photos for further details regarding the condition. The item will be carefully packed using double-box packaging for safe international shipping.