Bizen ware is one of the "Six Ancient Kilns of Japan," produced in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It is a simple, durable pottery that is fired without glaze, using only the power of clay and fire. Using clay with a high iron content, and firing slowly at high temperatures of over 1200 degrees, unique patterns (kiln changes) such as hidasuki (fire sashes), sangiri (cross-cuts), and sesame (sesame) are created, and the more you use it, the more its flavor improves. Artist: Keishu Sato佐藤圭秀(1944-1988)(artist name 圭 also signed on the bottom of the vase) Birth and Background: Born in 1944 in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, into a family of Bizen ware makers. His eldest brother, Moesuke Sato (a Bizen City Intangible Cultural Property Holder), is a Bizen ware artist, and his father, Takashi Sato, is known as a lover of old Bizen pottery. Path to Pottery: Interested in pottery, he decided to pursue a career as a potter in earnest in 1963 and studied Bizen ware. Independence and Success: After training at the Bizen Ceramic Art Center, he built a kiln and went independent. He received numerous awards and selections at exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Death: Although he passed away in 1988, his works remain highly valued and are still traded as secondhand and antique items. The piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), confirming its authenticity and provenance. Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 21 cm Good condition, there are stains and wear off from using and aging, please also take a look at the listed photos for a reference. Will be well packaged and shipping by Japan Post in fast delivery.