Item Description: 坂田甚内 Sakata Jinnai (1943-) — Black Pottery Flower Vase (Kuro-to Kabin) — Mashiko Ware, Japan A remarkable work of Japanese black pottery (kuro-to) by the celebrated Mashiko-based ceramic artist Sakata Jinnai. This wide-mouthed vase features a bold, sculptural silhouette — broad at the shoulders and tapering toward both the wide flared lip and the narrow foot — with two small applied lug handles (mimitsuki) on the sides. The most striking visual element is the all-over decoration of incised dotted rows arranged in gentle wavy horizontal bands, a technique that consciously references prehistoric Jomon-period earthenware patterns while asserting a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. The surface exhibits Sakata's signature atmospheric firing effects: dramatic passages of deep charcoal black shift naturally into warm tan and ochre tones, the result of controlled smoke and reduction within the climbing kiln (noborigama). The unglazed stoneware body is robust and textured, and the open, undulating rim is deliberately asymmetrical, adding an organic dynamism to the form. The foot shows characteristic hand-thrown wheel marks, evidence of the artist's hands-on studio practice. This piece belongs firmly in the tradition of Mashiko ware yet transcends regional classification — it reflects Sakata's cosmological vision, his study under Jomon-inspired master Kamoda Shoji (加守田章二), and his long-established artistic standing. Size Height: 16.5 cm Width: 18 cm Depth: 9 cm Weight: 718 g Condition This is a used piece in good condition overall, with minor surface dust and light age-related soiling consistent with a vintage studio work; no chips, cracks, or repairs are noted on the body, though slight kiln firing variations and natural clay texture marks are inherent to the work. Artist Profile 坂田甚内 Sakata Jinnai (1943-) is a master Japanese ceramicist based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. Born in Tokyo in 1943, he studied under the iconoclastic ceramic genius Kamoda Shoji (加守田章二) and established his own climbing kiln (noborigama) in Mashiko in 1966. He has held solo exhibitions throughout Japan and internationally over many decades, earning recognition at the highest levels of the Japanese art world. Sakata has dedicated works to Japan's most sacred Shinto sites, including Ise Grand Shrine and Izumo Taisha. His practice extends beyond ceramics to encompass glass, washi paper art, bonsai, and painting, all unified by his explorations of cosmic energy, primal natural forces, and the spiritual legacy of Japanese Jomon culture. His distinctive black stoneware, fired in traditional climbing kilns, has earned him recognition as one of Japan's most original contemporary ceramic masters. 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.