Item Description: 加藤芳比古 Kato Yoshihiko（1946– ) — Shino Dobin Hanaire (Shino Ware Teapot-Form Flower Vase) A beautifully formed flower vase (hanaire) in the shape of a traditional teapot (dobin), crafted in authentic Shino ware (Shino-yaki) by Kato Yoshihiko — a distinguished ceramicist rooted in the Mino tradition of Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan's most celebrated centres of ancient ceramic art. The piece is covered in the characteristic thick, milky-white feldspathic glaze (chōseki-yu) synonymous with Shino ware, displaying the subtle warm blush of higiro (fire-colour) where the glaze thins to reveal the iron-rich clay beneath. The rustic surface bears the fine texture and natural warmth that can only be achieved through prolonged wood firing in a traditional semi-subterranean anagama kiln (hanchika anagama) — the very technique that Kato built his own kiln to practice after achieving independence in 1974. The graceful dobin silhouette — with its gently swelling body, arching handle, and tapered spout — lends this piece both sculptural elegance and a profound sense of quietude, making it equally suited to the tea room and the modern interior. The form is timeless, rooted in the Momoyama aesthetic yet unmistakably alive with Kato's personal mastery of fire and clay. The piece comes with its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako). Size Height: 21 cm Width: 14 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition The piece is in excellent condition with no notable damage or soiling; the surface naturally reflects the characteristic qualities of authentic anagama-fired Shino ware. Artist Profile 加藤芳比古 Kato Yoshihiko (1946– ) was born in Mino, Gifu Prefecture — the historic heartland of Shino, Oribe, and Seto-guro wares. Before establishing his own studio, he conducted extensive research into historic kiln sites across Japan, deepening his understanding of the ancient traditions that underpin the Mino aesthetic. He subsequently trained under Tsukigata Nahiko (月形那比古, 1923–2006) — the founder of Oni-Shino ("Demon Shino"), the legendary ceramicist known as "the Potter of Flame" and the pre-eminent figure of the second generation of Shino's postwar revival. In 1974, Kato achieved independence and constructed his own semi-subterranean anagama kiln, dedicating himself to the pursuit of authentic Shino ware fired by the living flame of wood. 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.