Item Description This exquisite single-flower vase is a stunning work by Miki Kato, a distinguished contemporary ceramic artist based in Kyoto, renowned for her masterful application of the "icchin" technique. The vase showcases the artist's exceptional skill in creating intricate decorative patterns using the icchin method, where porcelain slip is piped through a syringe-like tool to create raised relief designs, reminiscent of cake decoration. Born in Kobe in 1980, Kato graduated from Saga University of the Arts ceramics course and further honed her skills at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical Training School. She worked as a ceramic artisan at a Kiyomizu-yaki kiln while simultaneously developing her artistic practice, before establishing her independent studio in Kyoto in 2016. Her dedication and unique artistic vision earned her the Grand Prix at the prestigious Kyo-mono Youth Competition in 2017. This piece demonstrates Kato's signature aesthetic, where delicate icchin patterns dance across the porcelain surface, creating a harmonious balance between meticulous precision and organic fluidity. The decorative motifs draw inspiration from various sources including botanical forms, antique lace patterns, damask designs, and Persian carpet ornaments, resulting in a distinctive decorative vocabulary that is unmistakably "Kato-esque." The vase's elegant form and refined white porcelain body provide the perfect canvas for the artist's intricate surface decoration. Each icchin line is carefully applied by hand, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind. The demanding nature of this technique limits production to approximately ten pieces per day, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail. This work comes with a certificate bookmark (shiori), guaranteeing its authenticity. The piece represents the perfect fusion of traditional Kyoto ceramic craftsmanship and contemporary artistic sensibility, making it an exceptional addition for collectors of modern Japanese ceramics. Size Height: 10 cm Width: 8 cm Depth: 8 cm Weight 189 g Condition The vase is in excellent condition with no notable scratches or damage, showing minimal signs of use. Artist Profile Miki Kato (b. 1980) is a prominent contemporary ceramic artist working in Kyoto, Japan. After graduating from Saga University of the Arts and completing advanced training at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical Training School, she worked at a traditional Kiyomizu-yaki kiln while developing her independent artistic practice. In 2016, she established her own studio in Kyoto. Kato is best known for her masterful use of the icchin technique, a demanding decorative method where porcelain slip is carefully piped onto the ceramic surface to create intricate raised relief patterns. Her artistic practice combines technical precision with creative exploration, drawing inspiration from diverse sources including tropical plants, antique textiles, traditional damask patterns, and Persian carpet designs. In 2017, she achieved significant recognition by winning the Grand Prix at the Kyo-mono Youth Competition, a prestigious award supporting young artisans working in Kyoto's traditional industries. This award came after three years of dedicated entries and marked the crystallization of her distinctive artistic voice. Kato's work is characterized by its delicate balance between control and spontaneity. While her icchin patterns are meticulously planned and executed, she embraces the subtle irregularities inherent in the technique, which she describes as creating a pleasing tension between precision and organic looseness. Her pieces often feature complex layered decorations that reveal new details upon repeated viewing. Her works are held in numerous private collections and have been exhibited at prestigious venues throughout Japan. She continues to work from her Kyoto studio, creating pieces that bridge traditional Kyoto ceramic techniques with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities. 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.