■ Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. ■ Authenticity & Handcrafted Nature: This work is a genuine piece by Masanori Taniguchi, accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako), which serves as an important certificate of authenticity in Japanese ceramics. Each piece is individually hand-thrown and kiln-fired, ensuring that no two examples are ever identical. The subtle gradations of glaze, surface texture, and firing effects are unique to this work and cannot be replicated industrially. ■ Estimated Period: Late 20th century (1970–2000) — a period marked by the evolution of Kyō-ware into a highly expressive contemporary ceramic art form, blending classical elegance with innovative glaze experimentation. ■ Description: This refined vase exemplifies the aesthetic sophistication of Kyō-ware (Kyō-yaki), a ceramic tradition originating in Kyoto, historically associated with court culture, tea ceremony, and highly decorative artistry. Unlike more rustic wares, Kyō-ware emphasizes elegance, painterly surfaces, and refined glaze techniques. The artist, Masanori Taniguchi, is known for his mastery of glaze expression, particularly in creating poetic, atmospheric surfaces that evoke natural phenomena. His works often bridge traditional Kyoto aesthetics with modern ceramic sensibilities, resulting in pieces that appeal strongly to collectors of contemporary Japanese art pottery. The term “Shikōsai-ka” (紫紅彩花) refers to a specialized decorative glaze technique characterized by nuanced purplish-red (violet-crimson) tonal transitions. This effect is achieved through carefully controlled firing conditions and the interaction of metallic oxides within the glaze. The resulting surface displays soft, flowing color variations reminiscent of petals, mist, or distant landscapes, lending the vase a painterly, almost ethereal presence. As a vase (hanaire), this form is designed not only for floral arrangement but also as a standalone sculptural object. In the Japanese tea ceremony and ikebana traditions, such vessels are appreciated for how they harmonize with seasonal flowers and the surrounding space. Even when displayed alone, the vase communicates a quiet elegance and depth. The accompanying tomobako bears the artist’s inscription and seal, confirming authorship and adding significant value for collectors. In Japanese ceramic culture, the box is considered an integral part of the artwork’s identity and provenance. ■ Expert’s Insight: What distinguishes this piece is the exceptional control of glaze and atmosphere. The “Shikōsai-ka” effect is not merely decorative—it reflects a deep understanding of kiln chemistry and timing. The soft transitions between muted purples, grays, and subtle warm tones create a sense of depth that changes depending on lighting and viewing angle. Taniguchi’s work aligns with the Kyoto tradition of elevating ceramics beyond utility into the realm of fine art. This vase would appeal particularly to collectors who appreciate the intersection of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern ceramic innovation. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This item is a vintage handcrafted piece. Minor imperfections, kiln effects, and natural variations in glaze and form are inherent to the production process and are not flaws but part of the work’s character and authenticity. ■Shipping & Handling: We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.