Item Description 大江幸彦 Oe Yukihiko — Seto Ware "Sunate-Yu Tsuru-mon" Flower Vase A work of commanding beauty and technical mastery by Oe Yukihiko, an acclaimed Seto ceramic artist and exhibitor at the Nitten (日展) — Japan's most prestigious national fine arts exhibition, held annually since 1907 and regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in Japanese art and craft. The defining feature of this large-scale vase is Oe's signature Sunate-yu (砂手釉) glaze — a proprietary technique of his own development that produces a dramatically textured, sand-encrusted surface of remarkable depth and complexity. The glaze moves from deep charcoal black at the base through warm earthy browns and silvery greys toward the shoulder, with a luminous bluish-white streak cascading down the body like a column of moonlight — a natural, kiln-born effect that makes each work entirely unique. Set against this rugged, atmospheric ground, a pair of cranes is rendered in carved low relief, their forms delicately incised into the clay body before glazing. The relief areas are then filled with a smooth, translucent coloured glaze, within which fine crackle lines (kanyū / 貫入) have formed — a quiet visual poetry that contrasts beautifully with the raw, granular Sunate-yu surface surrounding them. The warm ivory, amber, and soft blue tones of the cranes glow with an almost luminescent quality against the dark ground. In Japanese tradition, cranes are the supreme symbol of longevity, good fortune, and conjugal fidelity — lending this vase a deep cultural resonance alongside its considerable aesthetic power. The form is a bold, upright cylinder with generously rounded shoulders, a tightly drawn neck, and a clean foot ring. Its substantial weight gives it an impressive physical presence worthy of a prominent display position. The base carries the artist's impressed ceramic seal (tōin / 陶印). Included with this lot: Original artist-signed wooden storage box (tomobako) with handwritten title, signature, and red seal Printed biographical document listing the artist's exhibition achievements Bookmark (栞) Size Vase: Height: 25 cm / Diameter: 12 cm Wooden box (tomobako): Height: 27.5 cm / Width: 15 cm / Depth: 16 cm Weight Vase: 1,180 g Wooden box (tomobako): approx. 530 g Total (vase in box): 1,710 g Condition In excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs; the surface and glaze are entirely intact as made. Artist Profile 大江幸彦 Oe Yukihiko is a ceramic artist based in the tradition of Seto ware (Seto-yaki), produced in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture — one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns and the origin of the word setomono, the Japanese term for ceramics in general. A exhibitor at the Nitten (日本美術展覧会 / Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) — the country's foremost and largest-scale public art exhibition, tracing its origins to 1907 — Oe occupies a recognised position within Japan's established fine arts world. He is known above all for his development of the Sunate-yu glaze, a technically demanding and wholly original technique that produces a richly textured, sand-like surface of extraordinary visual depth. His work has additionally been recognised at the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition (朝日陶芸展), the Ainichi Ceramic Art Exhibition (愛日陶芸展), and the National Ceramic Exhibition (全国陶芸展), among others. Works are accompanied by handwritten tomobako, printed biographical documentation, and bookmark, attesting to their authenticity and the artist's standing. 【Shipping Notice】 Due to the current situation in the Middle East, shipment from Japan may not be possible to certain regions. If delivery to your country is unavailable at the time of purchase, we reserve the right to cancel the order. We kindly ask buyers in affected regions to refrain from placing bids. 【Important Notice】 The item will be carefully packaged and shipped via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx. Estimated delivery time is about 1–3 weeks. Import duties, taxes, and other charges are not included. Combined shipping with other items is not available. Thank you for your understanding.