Item Description: This is a monumental sculptural flower vessel created by Takiguchi Kazuo, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary ceramic art. Standing at an impressive 57 centimeters in height, this substantial work titled "Untitled - Shououen" exemplifies the artist's distinctive approach to ceramic sculpture, blending artistic vision with functional form. The piece demonstrates Takiguchi's mastery of large-scale ceramic construction and his ability to create works that transcend conventional boundaries between vessel and sculpture. Takiguchi was born in 1953 in the historic pottery district of Gojozaka and studied under the renowned ceramic artist Yagi Kazuo at municipal art university. His career has been marked by an extraordinary collection of prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix from the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, multiple major prizes from national exhibitions, and recognition from cultural institutions. His work represents the pinnacle of contemporary Japanese ceramic art, characterized by sophisticated technical execution combined with profound artistic sensibility. The artist's creative philosophy draws inspiration from ancient artifacts and historical landscapes, particularly the primal scenery of his birthplace in Gojozaka. His works often evoke mythical creatures, spiritual guardians, and nostalgic elements, creating a unique aesthetic that bridges past and present. This piece comes with its original signed wooden tomobako storage box, confirming authenticity and provenance as a work by this master of contemporary ceramic sculpture. Size Height: 57.0 cm Width: 35.0 cm Depth: 30.0 cm Condition Excellent condition with no visible damage. Storage box shows minor wear with bottom damage and lid warping, consistent with age. Artist Profile Takiguchi Kazuo was born in 1953 in Gojozaka, the historic pottery district where ceramic traditions run deep. Growing up surrounded by kilns and ceramic workshops, Takiguchi absorbed the atmosphere of this legendary pottery quarter from his earliest years. His path to becoming a ceramic artist took an unconventional route, as he initially pursued economics before redirecting his studies to art. After leaving his initial university program, Takiguchi enrolled in the municipal art university where he studied under Yagi Kazuo, a pivotal figure in contemporary Japanese ceramics. However, characteristically independent in spirit, Takiguchi left before completion, choosing instead to forge his own artistic path. This decision proved prescient, as he went on to pursue advanced studies abroad, completing a prestigious program at a royal art institution in 1992, an experience that significantly broadened his artistic horizons. Takiguchi's career has been distinguished by an exceptional record of awards and recognition. In 1985, he received the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan New Kogei Prize. The following year in 1986, he held a solo exhibition and received the Semi-Grand Prix at an international ceramic exhibition, along with a prefectural governor's award. His crowning achievement came in 1989 when he was awarded the Grand Prix with Imperial Cup at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, one of the highest honors in Japanese ceramic arts. Additional accolades include the Excellence Award at an art museum exhibition in 1990, and in 1991, the prestigious Goto Memorial Cultural Award for Emerging Artists, along with an association prize. In 1996, he received the encouragement prize for prefectural cultural achievement. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he held numerous solo exhibitions featuring both his ceramic works and explorations in other media, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. In 2010, Takiguchi established his own kiln in the northern district, marking a new chapter of creative independence. His participation in association award-winning artist exhibitions in 2011 and 2012 further confirmed his status as a leading figure in contemporary ceramics. In 2003, a major contemporary ceramic exhibition was held at a prefectural ceramic art museum, and in 2004, he presented an exhibition exploring architectural landscapes and spatial relationships through ceramic forms. Takiguchi's artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in historical consciousness and nostalgic imagery. His works frequently reference bygone eras, incorporating elements such as vintage vehicles, old communication devices, and other artifacts that evoke the atmosphere of earlier decades. Simultaneously, he draws on ancient mythological imagery, creating pieces featuring spiritual guardians and mythical beasts that emerge from the primal landscape of Gojozaka. This dual approach—combining contemporary cultural references with ancient archetypal forms—creates a unique aesthetic signature. His large-scale works demonstrate not only technical virtuosity in ceramic construction but also a profound artistic vision that transforms clay into powerful statements about memory, history, and the human relationship with objects and spaces. Through his extensive exhibition history and numerous accolades, Takiguchi has established himself as one of the most important voices in contemporary Japanese ceramic art. NOTICE: This item is quite large and will be shipped via Japan Post sea mail. Sea freight delivery takes at least 3 months, so we kindly ask for your patience. Please do not open a claim during this period. In some countries, size or weight restrictions prevent sea mail delivery. If sea shipping is not possible to your country, we may need to switch to an alternative method (at extra cost) or cancel the order. 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