Product Description This is a polychrome decorated ceramic vase by Watanabe Kunio. The rounded, globular body features a matte glaze in a grey-brown tone, over which a fine checkerboard pattern and delicate incised lines have been applied, creating a richly textured surface reminiscent of aged stone or woven fabric. The short cylindrical neck is glazed in a vivid vermilion (orange-red), with fine striped bands, creating a striking contrast with the subdued tones of the body and the lustrous black glaze visible inside the mouth. Standing approximately 16.5 cm tall with a mouth diameter of approximately 4 cm, the piece is compact yet commands a strong presence, making it well suited for display on shelves, in a tokonoma alcove, or in a display cabinet. A potter's seal (toin) is visible on the base, confirming that this is a hand-crafted work by the artist himself rather than a mass-produced item. Artist Profile Watanabe Kunio (born 1967) is a contemporary ceramic artist from Yamanashi Prefecture. He completed his graduate studies in ceramics at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1996, where he studied under Miura Koheiji (1933–2006), a Living National Treasure in celadon ware. In 2006, he established his own studio in Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, where he has since specialised in polychrome overglaze decoration (iroe) on porcelain. Watanabe is a full member of the Japan Kogei Association (a public interest incorporated association) and also a member of the Japan Ceramic Art Association. His awards include the Encouragement Prize at the Tokai Traditional Crafts Exhibition (1999), the Grand Prize and Hokkaido Governor's Award at the Otaki Hokkaido Ceramics Exhibition (2010), the Japan Kogei Association Prize in the Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition (2011), and, in 2024, both the Special Prize and the 14th Generation Sakaida Kakiemon Memorial Prize at the 11th Tōbi Exhibition, as well as the Asahi Shimbun Prize at the Arita International Ceramic Exhibition. His work has been presented internationally, including in the exhibition Five by Eight: New Ceramic Art from Japan, held in Philadelphia (2011). Recent solo exhibitions include shows at Nihonbashi Takashimaya (2025), JR Nagoya Takashimaya (2025), and Yokohama Takashimaya (2024). Dimensions Height: 16.5 cm Width: 14 cm Depth: 14 cm Weight: 702g Condition Within the range visible in the photographs, there are minor signs of age-related wear, but no cracks, chips, or evidence of repair have been identified. The checkerboard-like texture on the surface is an intentional decorative design achieved through the glaze and is not damage. Additional Information Artist: Watanabe Kunio (Japanese ceramic artist) Technique: Iroe (overglaze polychrome decoration) Place of origin: Japan Artist's seal present on the base 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.