Item Description This work is a flat, square-shaped flower vase (kaku-hentsubo) by Kimura Ichiro. Item Description This work is a flat, square-shaped flower vase (kaku-hentsubo) by Kimura Ichiro (1915-1978), a ceramic artist from Mashiko-machi, Tochigi Prefecture. Originally created as a flower vessel, it can be enjoyed as a decorative piece or used as a tea ceremony utensil. The vessel is formed in a bottle shape with a slightly flattened square body and a short, angular mouth. The surface features a bold, poured application of black glaze (tenmoku-style), creating a striking contrast against the warm, reddish-brown clay body. Amber-colored glaze runs down in streaks, adding movement and depth to the overall appearance. The reverse side and base are left unglazed, showing the natural fired tones produced by kiln transformation. The base bears a potter's seal reading "木" (Ki/Moku), consistent with the known ceramic seal of Kimura Ichiro. There is no written signature. Visual inspection reveals no prominent cracks or chips. Minor signs of age and the handmade nature of the piece, as well as small firing marks, are present; please refer to the images for details. This item is sold individually and comes without a box or any accessories. Size Height: 21 cm Width: 13.5 cm Depth: 7.5 cm Weight 1277 g Condition No prominent cracks or chips. Minor signs of age and handcrafting, as well as small firing irregularities, are visible; please check the images for details. Artist Profile Kimura Ichiro (木村一郎, 1915-1978) was a Japanese studio potter and one of the most respected figures in the Mashiko ceramic tradition. Born on 29 June 1915 in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, he graduated from Tochigi Prefectural Moka Middle School in 1933, then trained at various Mashiko kilns before travelling to Kyoto to study at the Ceramic Testing Institute. From 1935 he apprenticed under Hamada Shoji, and in 1946 he established his own kiln. He experimented broadly across techniques, producing vessels decorated with slip-trailed galena lead glaze, neriage (marbled clay) work, shinsha (copper-red) glaze, and glass glaze. Among his notable awards, he took first place at the 2nd Tokyo Craft Association Comprehensive Craft Exhibition (1949) and received the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Director-General Award at the Japan Ceramic Exhibition (1953) for a kaki-yu (persimmon glaze) plate, along with a special prize at the 4th Ceramic Art Exhibition (1955). His work was exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum in 1964, and in 1962 Empress Kojun selected a large bowl by Kimura from among Tochigi Prefecture's products at the former Tamozawa Imperial Villa in Nikko. The Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art held a retrospective of his work in 1998, and pieces are held in its permanent collection. His kiln, known as "Kimura-gama," has been carried on by his descendants. Works are marked with a "木" (Ki) ceramic seal stamped on the base. Additional Information Place of Origin: Mashiko-machi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan Material: Glazed stoneware Potter's Seal: "木" stamp impressed on the base Accessories: None (item only) NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 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 me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.