Item Description This extraordinary ceramic flower vase is one of the most whimsical and technically accomplished works in contemporary Japanese studio pottery: a full-scale, three-dimensional reproduction in glazed stoneware of a kamifūsen (紙風船 — Japanese paper balloon), a traditional children's toy that has been a beloved part of Japanese childhood for centuries. The form captures the kamifūsen with remarkable fidelity — a slightly flattened sphere built from panels of colour, the surface subtly dimpled and uneven in exact imitation of a balloon that has been breathed into, tossed, batted, and gently deflated. The soft irregularities of the ceramic surface perfectly recreate the wrinkled, yielding quality of damp paper, lending the piece an uncanny lightness entirely at odds with its solid stoneware body. One cannot help but want to pick it up and tap it lightly with one's palm. The decoration is iro-e kin-sai (色絵金彩 — polychrome overglaze enamels with gold) in the bold, saturated palette of the traditional kamifūsen: vivid red, warm yellow, deep forest green, and white, arranged in wedge-shaped panels that radiate from the top opening. Each panel meets its neighbours along clean, precise seams. Around the small circular opening at the top — which functions as the vase mouth for floral arrangements — a ring of deep cobalt blue enamel provides an elegant frame, and the rim itself is generously finished with burnished gold leaf, lending a luxurious accent that elevates a humble folk toy into something genuinely precious. The base is glazed in deep cobalt blue, bearing the artist's incised seal. A real kamifūsen paper balloon is included as a gift with the shipment, allowing the recipient to place the two side by side and experience the extraordinary trompe-l'œil effect firsthand. Size Height: 10.2 cm Diameter: 10.5 cm Weight 252 g Condition The piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. All surface irregularities are fully intentional — they are the artist's meticulous recreation of a softly inflated paper balloon. Artist Profile This work is signed with the artist's ceramic seal on the base and is the work of Matsui Takashi (松井孝), a Japanese studio ceramicist working in the iro-e kin-sai (polychrome enamel with gold) tradition. Further biographical details of this artist are not currently available. The work demonstrates a high level of technical mastery — in both three-dimensional trompe-l'œil forming and in the precise multi-fired overglaze enamel and gold decoration — as well as a deep affection for the material culture of Japanese childhood. NOITICE: The photos may show flowers, plants, pedestals, etc. as examples of decorations and interior design for illustrative purposes, but please note that these are not included in the product. The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL , FedEx or Japan Post depend on the situation. It takes about 2 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to us and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate for your kind cooperation.