Maker: Seizan Kiln (est. 1883), Kawazoe Seizan — Imari Nabeshima Ware, Okawachiyama Title: Nabeshima / Imari Ware Flower Vase (Hana-ire) — Celadon Glaze with Ice-Crackle and Hand-Painted Peony Design, with Original Signed Box and Wood Tag This is a beautiful Japanese porcelain flower vase in the Nabeshima / Imari tradition, made by the distinguished Seizan kiln of Okawachiyama in Imari, Saga. A rounded body is covered in a soft celadon glaze shot through with a fine "ice-crackle" (kannyu), over which peonies are hand-painted in cobalt blue, iron red, and gentle tones. It is presented complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and wooden identification tag. About the Tradition — Nabeshima and the Secret Kilns of Okawachiyama Nabeshima ware is regarded as the finest porcelain ever produced in Japan. During the Edo period, the Saga (Nabeshima) domain operated a secret official kiln at Okawachiyama, a valley enclosed by steep mountains — the "village of secret kilns" — where the domain guarded its techniques and produced the highest-quality porcelain exclusively as gifts for the Shogunate and feudal lords, never for ordinary sale. Shipped from the port of Imari, these wares belong to the broader Imari family. The tradition divides into three styles: iro-Nabeshima (colored overglaze), Nabeshima sometsuke (blue-and-white), and Nabeshima seiji (celadon), the last made using celadon stone quarried at Okawachiyama itself. About the Kiln — Seizan Founded in 1883 (Meiji 16), the Seizan kiln is a long-established Imari Nabeshima workshop rooted in Okawachiyama, now with over 140 years of history. Building on the aesthetics and techniques of Nabeshima, it produces everything from refined tableware to high-grade art pieces, and is well regarded for carrying the domain-kiln heritage into refined contemporary work. About the Design This vase brings together two of the great Nabeshima strengths: the serene celadon glaze and lively overglaze painting. The pale blue-green celadon is covered in a striking network of fine crackle that gives the surface depth and a jewel-like, aged beauty, while blossoming peonies — long a symbol of wealth, honor, and good fortune — are painted across the body in confident brushwork. The result is at once tranquil and opulent, and the full, rounded form shows the decoration beautifully from every angle. Form & Appeal As a hana-ire (flower vase), the generous rounded form is well suited to seasonal arrangements, a single branch, or purely decorative display in an entrance, living room, or tokonoma alcove. It will appeal to collectors of Japanese porcelain, Imari and Nabeshima enthusiasts, and admirers of celadon and finely painted ceramics, and makes a distinguished gift. Condition In wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scratches, or damage. A beautiful piece. Please review all photos, which form part of the description. Presentation Complete with its original signed tomobako and wooden tag, which document the piece and add to its collectible value. Shipping from Japan with tracking number and insurance. Fast dispatch via FedEx or DHL. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges and are the buyer's responsibility. These are normally collected by the delivering carrier or on pickup — please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.