This is a striking Mashiko ware (益子焼) flower vase created by renowned Japanese ceramic artist Mitsuru Kimura (木村充). This piece is a fine example of contemporary Mashiko pottery, known for its rustic textures and expressive glazes that highlight the essence of Japanese ceramic artistry. The vase features a tall, gently flared cylindrical form with a stable base and a wide mouth, designed to hold flower arrangements with grace and presence. The surface is adorned with a complex lattice-like pattern of green and reddish hues layered over a creamy beige base, achieved through a meticulous multi-layered glazing process. The glaze exhibits both subtle crackle and textured variations that catch the light beautifully, lending the piece an organic and earthy vibrancy. What makes this flower vessel particularly captivating is the depth of color variation—deep moss green, rusty reds, and soft whites blend seamlessly into a richly expressive surface that is both decorative and meditative. These effects are hallmarks of Kimura’s work, which often explores contrasts between geometric precision and natural irregularity. The artist's impressed seal can be found on the base, confirming its authenticity. The vase comes with its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box), hand-inscribed with calligraphy and bearing the artist’s seal in red ink, making it a highly collectible item suitable for display or use in traditional Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana). About Mashiko ware (益子焼) Mashiko ware (Mashiko-yaki) is a traditional Japanese pottery style that originated in the town of Mashiko in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Known for its earthy textures and warm, subdued glazes, Mashiko ware emerged in the mid-19th century and gained prominence through the work of Shoji Hamada, a key figure in the Mingei (folk craft) movement. The local clay in Mashiko is highly versatile, allowing potters to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mashiko ceramics are celebrated for their rustic simplicity, natural beauty, and the freedom they offer artists in terms of form and glazing. Each piece often embodies a strong sense of individuality while staying rooted in Japan’s rich ceramic tradition. Today, Mashiko remains a vibrant hub for both established and emerging ceramic artists, attracting collectors and pottery lovers from around the world. About Mitsuru Kimura (木村充) Mitsuru Kimura is a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist celebrated for his refined sense of form and mastery of traditional glazes. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s long lineage of pottery, Kimura’s works embody both classical aesthetics and modern sensibility. His pieces often explore subtle contrasts — between matte and glossy surfaces, simplicity and depth, restraint and expressiveness. Kimura’s signature style frequently features traditional glazes such as nukashiro (rice-husk white) and shinsya (cinnabar red), achieved through meticulous kiln control. Each work reflects a deep understanding of natural materials and the unpredictable beauty of fire. His ceramics are not only functional vessels but also expressions of quiet harmony, inviting contemplation through their calm presence and tactile beauty. Recognized for his dedication to craftsmanship and sensitivity to nature’s rhythm, Kimura’s works have been exhibited in Japan and collected by admirers of fine studio ceramics around the world. Shipping / Policy Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Guarantee Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.