Item Description: This exquisite incense burner (koro) features the luminous "Hekimei Yosai" (Azure Brilliance Radiant Glaze) technique by Living National Treasure Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933-2009). The piece represents the pinnacle of contemporary Kutani ware and showcases the master's revolutionary approach to ceramic glazing. Tokuda Yasokichi III revolutionized traditional Kutani ceramics by developing the "Yosai" (radiant glaze) technique, which uses approximately 70 different colored glazes to create stunning gradations of color without any pictorial designs. Unlike conventional Kutani ware decorated with landscape, figural, or floral motifs, his works achieve beauty purely through the interplay of luminous colors and their subtle gradations. This incense burner exemplifies the artist's mastery of blue and green tones, creating a serene, ethereal effect reminiscent of clear skies and deep waters. The colors seem to glow from within, demonstrating why Tokuda's technique is called "Yosai" - literally meaning "shining glaze." The piece required firing at higher temperatures (around 1000°C) than traditional overglaze decoration, resulting in extraordinary depth and brilliance of color. Tokuda Yasokichi III was designated a Living National Treasure in 1997 for his mastery of "Saiyu" (colored glaze) technique. His works are in the permanent collections of major museums worldwide and represent the highest achievement in contemporary Japanese ceramics. The incense burner comes with its original display card. Size Height: 13 cm Width: 14 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage. Artist Profile Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933-2009) was born as Masahiko Tokuda in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, into a distinguished family of Kutani ware ceramicists. He learned glaze formulation from his grandfather, the first Yasokichi, and studied under his father, the second Yasokichi, who worked with the renowned ceramicist Tomimoto Kenkichi. After studying at Kanazawa College of Art, he devoted himself to researching Ko-Kutani (Old Kutani) ceramics. In 1963, he achieved his first acceptance to the Nitten Exhibition. His breakthrough came when he began developing abstract color compositions using only gradations of glaze colors, excluding the red from the traditional Kutani five colors (red, yellow, green, blue, purple). In 1971, his work "Saiyu Bowl" won the Excellent Prize and NHK President's Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. His "Yosai Bowl" received the Grand Prize at the 24th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1977. He formally assumed the name Yasokichi III in 1988. His international recognition includes the Grand Prix at the International Ceramic Exhibition (1990), the Grand Prix and Prince Chichibu Memorial Cup at the 11th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (1991), and the Grand Prize at the MOA Okada Awards (1997). That same year, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder) for his Saiyu technique. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide and he received the Purple Ribbon Medal in 1993 and commendation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1991. Tokuda Yasokichi III passed away in 2009 at age 75, leaving an extraordinary legacy in contemporary Japanese ceramics. 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.