Vase - Stoneware - Japan - Yakishime Line Pattern

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Contemporary yakishime unglazed stoneware spherical vase by Kobayashi Masami (b. 1952) from Kasama, Japan, with a moss green to pale sandy gradient, 10.5 cm diameter, 10.5 cm height, 10.5 cm depth, weight 287 g, includes the original tomobako box.

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Description from the seller

Item Description
This work is a yakishime (unglazed, high-temperature fired) spherical flower vase by ceramic artist Kobayashi Masami (born 1952), who is based in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. He is known as one of the leading artists representing Kasama ware (Kasama-yaki).

The vessel form is rounded like a ball, with a small opening positioned slightly off-center at the mouth. The surface transitions in a gradation from a deep moss green at the shoulder to a pale sandy tone toward the base, displaying the distinctive texture of yakishime firing produced by wood-kiln firing and the action of ash. Across the entire vessel, fine root-like incised lines (sgraffito decoration) spread organically downward from the neck, which is the origin of the work's title, "Yakishime Senmon-ki" (Yakishime Incised Line Vessel). A small impressed seal design can also be identified near the base on one side. The unglazed foot ring reveals an iron-rich clay body characteristic of reduction firing, with a glossy reddish-brown glaze accumulation at its center.

This work comes with its original wooden box (tomobako, approx. 13.5 × 13.5 × 13 cm), making it a collector's item with documented provenance.

Dimensions
Height: 10.5 cm
Width: 10.5 cm
Depth: 10.5 cm

Weight
287 g

Condition
Visual inspection reveals no chips, cracks, or signs of restoration; the surface texture and firing effects are consistent with the artist's distinctive yakishime technique.

Artist Profile
Kobayashi Masami was born in 1952 in Hokkaido, Japan. He originally aspired to become an industrial designer but encountered ceramics along the way, and in 1972 began studying under master ceramicist Nakano Koji. He was part of the wave of artists who relocated to Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, helping to establish it as a prominent centre for contemporary Japanese pottery, where he remains based today.

His accolades include the Excellence Prize at the Ibaraki Prefectural Arts Festival Exhibition (1974, 1975, 1978), the Gold Prize at the International Ceramics Exhibition (1982), the Mainichi Grand Prize at the Kasama-Mashiko Ceramics Artists Exhibition (1994), and the Grand Prize at the North Kanto Ceramics Exhibition (1998-1999).

His work has been shown at the Suntory Museum Grand Prize Exhibition (1991), the 12th Japan Ceramics Exhibition (1993), and the 35th Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, where he received the Contemporary Crafts Grand Prize (1996). He later held a solo exhibition at Matsuya Ginza Gallery in Tokyo (2011).

Kobayashi's works have also been acquired by museums abroad and featured in exhibitions overseas, reflecting international recognition of his practice. His work is characterised by abstract, free-form sculptural ceramics, held in both private collections and public museum holdings.

Additional Information
Artist: Kobayashi Masami, Kasama ware (Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Material: Unglazed stoneware (yakishime), wood-kiln fired
Provenance: Original wooden box (tomobako) included

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.

Seller's Story

We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods. Owner Profile Name: Michito Nagahiro Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life. In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date. In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support. Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.

Item Description
This work is a yakishime (unglazed, high-temperature fired) spherical flower vase by ceramic artist Kobayashi Masami (born 1952), who is based in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. He is known as one of the leading artists representing Kasama ware (Kasama-yaki).

The vessel form is rounded like a ball, with a small opening positioned slightly off-center at the mouth. The surface transitions in a gradation from a deep moss green at the shoulder to a pale sandy tone toward the base, displaying the distinctive texture of yakishime firing produced by wood-kiln firing and the action of ash. Across the entire vessel, fine root-like incised lines (sgraffito decoration) spread organically downward from the neck, which is the origin of the work's title, "Yakishime Senmon-ki" (Yakishime Incised Line Vessel). A small impressed seal design can also be identified near the base on one side. The unglazed foot ring reveals an iron-rich clay body characteristic of reduction firing, with a glossy reddish-brown glaze accumulation at its center.

This work comes with its original wooden box (tomobako, approx. 13.5 × 13.5 × 13 cm), making it a collector's item with documented provenance.

Dimensions
Height: 10.5 cm
Width: 10.5 cm
Depth: 10.5 cm

Weight
287 g

Condition
Visual inspection reveals no chips, cracks, or signs of restoration; the surface texture and firing effects are consistent with the artist's distinctive yakishime technique.

Artist Profile
Kobayashi Masami was born in 1952 in Hokkaido, Japan. He originally aspired to become an industrial designer but encountered ceramics along the way, and in 1972 began studying under master ceramicist Nakano Koji. He was part of the wave of artists who relocated to Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, helping to establish it as a prominent centre for contemporary Japanese pottery, where he remains based today.

His accolades include the Excellence Prize at the Ibaraki Prefectural Arts Festival Exhibition (1974, 1975, 1978), the Gold Prize at the International Ceramics Exhibition (1982), the Mainichi Grand Prize at the Kasama-Mashiko Ceramics Artists Exhibition (1994), and the Grand Prize at the North Kanto Ceramics Exhibition (1998-1999).

His work has been shown at the Suntory Museum Grand Prize Exhibition (1991), the 12th Japan Ceramics Exhibition (1993), and the 35th Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, where he received the Contemporary Crafts Grand Prize (1996). He later held a solo exhibition at Matsuya Ginza Gallery in Tokyo (2011).

Kobayashi's works have also been acquired by museums abroad and featured in exhibitions overseas, reflecting international recognition of his practice. His work is characterised by abstract, free-form sculptural ceramics, held in both private collections and public museum holdings.

Additional Information
Artist: Kobayashi Masami, Kasama ware (Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Material: Unglazed stoneware (yakishime), wood-kiln fired
Provenance: Original wooden box (tomobako) included

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.

Seller's Story

We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods. Owner Profile Name: Michito Nagahiro Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life. In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date. In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support. Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Weight
287 g
Title additional information
Yakishime Line Pattern
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Stoneware
Style
Contemporary
Colour
Green
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
10.5 cm
Width
10.5 cm
Depth
10.5 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
JapanVerified
5218
Objects sold
99.11%
protop

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