Japanese Kyoto Vase – Cherry Blossom Sakura Iro-e – Heian Shunzan – Signed Wooden Box Description: A beautiful Japanese flower vase decorated with cherry blossoms in delicate iro-e (polychrome overglaze enamel), made by Shunzan of the Shunzan Kiln in Kyoto. Clusters of white blossoms are painted over dark branches, with small touches of red, green and gold. The soft grey-beige glaze, with warm pink tones near the base, gives the piece a calm, elegant look. It would suit spring arrangements as well as display on its own. Provenance: Made as a commemorative gift for Respect for the Aged Day in 2001 (Heisei 13). Comes with the original greeting letter from the Governor of Kyoto and an explanatory note. About the Artist and Kiln: The Shunzan Kiln is located in Sennyuji, Higashiyama, Kyoto. For over seventy years it has carried on the tradition of Kyo-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki, established by Ninsei and Kenzan, while pursuing fresh designs with a modern sensibility. According to the enclosed biography card, the kiln was founded in 1917 (Taisho 6) by Mori Ichishun, who had learned techniques of Kutani ware. Members of the family studied at the national ceramics research institute and the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute, and works from the kiln have been selected for major exhibitions such as the Nitten, the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition. The kiln has also won prizes including the Governor's Prize and the Mayor's Prize. The artist, Mori Shunzan, is a certified Traditional Craftsman (Dentō Kōgeishi) and a member of the Kyoto Craft Art Association. He has served as director of the Sennyuji-area cooperative association and as a judge for the national ceramic design protection council. Details: Artist: Heian Shunzan (Mori Shunzan), Shunzan Kiln, Kyoto Style: Kyo-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki Technique: Iro-e (polychrome overglaze painting) Motif: Cherry blossoms (sakura) Height: approx. 24 cm Width: approx. 15 cm Weight: approx. 2,200 g (including the wooden box) Included: Original signed wooden box (tomobako) inscribed "Iro-e Sakura-zu Kabin" and signed by the artist with a red seal; the kiln's biography card; the Governor's greeting letter and explanatory note The vase has an impressed artist's seal on the base, and the inside of the mouth has a glossy brown glaze. Condition: Very good, clean condition. The vase is unused and has been kept as a collector's piece. Shipping: Carefully packed and shipped via Fedex,DHL or EMS with tracking and insurance. Customs & VAT: Please note that Value Added Tax (VAT), import duties, and customs fees are the buyer's responsibility and may be collected by your local customs office upon delivery. Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. For shipments with a declared value under €150, an additional customs processing fee of €3 may also apply.