Description: The vessel rises in a gently tapering cylinder, its walls thrown on the wheel with visible throwing marks at the interior. The body is divided into horizontal zones of color: a warm brown glaze pools at the lower third, transitioning to a pale beige slip in the middle, and deepening to an amber-brown at the rim and shoulder. Around the middle section, a hand-drawn decoration has been applied using the tube-drawing technique. The motif consists of abstract forms rendered in dark iron-brown slip, with raised white slip dots arranged in small clusters. The decoration encircles the body in a loose, rhythmic pattern. The surface shows natural variations in glaze thickness, with areas where the ash glaze has pooled into darker concentrations and others where it thins to reveal the underlying body. The rim is slightly irregular, finished by hand. The base is unglazed, showing the buff-colored stoneware body with wheel marks. Dimensions: Height: 17 cm Diameter: 10 cm Weight: 680 g Condition: No visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Minor signs of age, handling, kiln marks, glaze variations, or firing characteristics may be present. Artist Profile: Mitsuru Kimura (1939–1998) was a Japanese ceramic artist based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, and the second-generation master of Kimura Kiln. He is recognized for his refined sense of form and his sensitive reinterpretation of traditional Mashiko pottery within a modern context. Born in Fujihara, Tochigi, Kimura entered the Kimura family as an adopted son-in-law after marrying Shigeko, the eldest daughter of Mashiko potter Kimura Ichiro. At the age of 29, he began formal training under Ichiro, immersing himself in the traditional techniques and philosophy of Mashiko ware. Following Ichiro’s passing in 1978, Kimura assumed leadership of Kimura Kiln and continued the family lineage while gradually establishing his own artistic voice. Kimura’s work is distinguished by its quiet balance between tradition and individual expression. Drawing on Japan’s long ceramic heritage, his pieces often explore subtle contrasts — matte and glossy surfaces, simplicity and depth, restraint and warmth. He frequently employed traditional glazes such as nukashiro (rice-husk white) and shinsya (cinnabar red), achieved through careful kiln control and a deep understanding of natural materials. While fundamentally functional, Kimura’s vessels possess a calm, contemplative presence. They reflect the unpredictable beauty of fire and clay, embodying a harmony that invites both use and reflection. His ceramics stand as thoughtful expressions of everyday beauty rather than overt statements. During his lifetime, Kimura’s works were exhibited in Japan and came to be appreciated by collectors of studio ceramics. Today, his pieces are valued as authentic examples of post-war Mashiko pottery that honor tradition while quietly asserting individuality. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information: All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is carefully packed using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. Shipping costs vary depending on the size, weight, and shipping requirements of the item. Shipping conditions are stated individually for each listing. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes: Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs-related fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office before bidding. Customs Communication: Customs authorities or the shipping carrier may contact you regarding import procedures or payment of duties. Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.