A stylish shippô 七宝 (cloisonné enamel) vase by Shibata Akira 柴田明 (b. 1942). Of slightly flaring cylindrical form with rounded base. The surface is decorated with flowing vertical bands in alternating tones of deep aubergine, Bordeaux red, cream, and muted yellow, creating a rhythmic, almost optical pattern as the lines gently meander down the body. Executed in the silver-wire cloisonné technique 有線七宝 (yûsen shippô), with precise metal wires defining the design beneath the translucent enamels. Underside marked ‘Akira’ 明 Shibata Akira 柴田明 (b. 1942), from Yokkaichi City (Mie Prefecture), is a leading contemporary cloisonné artist. Trained at the Andô Cloisonné Company 安藤七宝店, he works in the traditional yûsen technique, executing all stages of production himself. Since 1970 he has been regularly selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dentô Kôgeiten), receiving multiple awards. He is a full member of the Japan Kôgeikai 日本工芸会. Complete with the original wooden tomobako 共箱 (storage box), inscribed Shippô kabin 七宝花瓶. The side of the box bears a label indicating the year of creation 1995. Also accompanied by a Japanese leaflet detailing the artist’s career. Period: Japan – Heisei period, Anno 1995 Dimensions: Height 25 cm, Diameter 15.5 cm In excellent condition. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.