A rectangular Mingei stoneware vase attributed to Kawai Tôru 河井透 (b. 1941). The vase is of upright rectangular form with softly rounded edges and a short cylindrical neck. It is covered in a greyish-white craquelé glaze, decorated with a vertical band of circular motifs in cobalt blue (gosu) underglaze. The shoulders and mouth are finished in a contrasting greyish-blue glaze. Complete with the original signed and sealed wooden tomobako 共箱 (storage box). Signed underside lid: 'Tôru' 透 Kawai Tôru, born as the eldest son of potter Kawai Takeichi 河井武一, entered the family workshop in 1962. He trained under his father and received guidance from his great-uncle, the renowned mingei master Kawai Kanjirô 河井寛次郎 (1890–1966). Working within the Kyoto mingei tradition, he produces Kyô-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics that combine functional forms with the warm aesthetic of Japanese folk craft. His work is characterised by wheel-thrown forms, restrained yet expressive glazes such as cobalt blue and iron glaze (tetsu-yū), and faceted carving techniques (mentori). Since the 1970s, he has exhibited widely throughout Japan. Dimensions: Height 25 cm, Width 11 cm Period: Japan – Shôwa period (1926-1989). In very good condition. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.