Vase - Porcelain - Japan - Iro-e Checkerboard - Watanabe Kunio
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Contemporary Japanese porcelain vase by Watanabe Kunio with iro-e overglaze decoration, featuring a globular body in a grey-brown matte glaze and a vermilion neck, height 16.5 cm, width 14 cm, depth 14 cm, weight 702 g, in good condition with minor age wear and the base seal identifying the maker; titled Iro-e Checkerboard.
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Description from the seller
Product Description
This is a polychrome decorated ceramic vase by Watanabe Kunio. The rounded, globular body features a matte glaze in a grey-brown tone, over which a fine checkerboard pattern and delicate incised lines have been applied, creating a richly textured surface reminiscent of aged stone or woven fabric. The short cylindrical neck is glazed in a vivid vermilion (orange-red), with fine striped bands, creating a striking contrast with the subdued tones of the body and the lustrous black glaze visible inside the mouth.
Standing approximately 16.5 cm tall with a mouth diameter of approximately 4 cm, the piece is compact yet commands a strong presence, making it well suited for display on shelves, in a tokonoma alcove, or in a display cabinet. A potter's seal (toin) is visible on the base, confirming that this is a hand-crafted work by the artist himself rather than a mass-produced item.
Artist Profile
Watanabe Kunio (born 1967) is a contemporary ceramic artist from Yamanashi Prefecture. He completed his graduate studies in ceramics at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1996, where he studied under Miura Koheiji (1933–2006), a Living National Treasure in celadon ware. In 2006, he established his own studio in Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, where he has since specialised in polychrome overglaze decoration (iroe) on porcelain.
Watanabe is a full member of the Japan Kogei Association (a public interest incorporated association) and also a member of the Japan Ceramic Art Association. His awards include the Encouragement Prize at the Tokai Traditional Crafts Exhibition (1999), the Grand Prize and Hokkaido Governor's Award at the Otaki Hokkaido Ceramics Exhibition (2010), the Japan Kogei Association Prize in the Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition (2011), and, in 2024, both the Special Prize and the 14th Generation Sakaida Kakiemon Memorial Prize at the 11th Tōbi Exhibition, as well as the Asahi Shimbun Prize at the Arita International Ceramic Exhibition. His work has been presented internationally, including in the exhibition Five by Eight: New Ceramic Art from Japan, held in Philadelphia (2011). Recent solo exhibitions include shows at Nihonbashi Takashimaya (2025), JR Nagoya Takashimaya (2025), and Yokohama Takashimaya (2024).
Dimensions
Height: 16.5 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 14 cm
Weight: 702g
Condition
Within the range visible in the photographs, there are minor signs of age-related wear, but no cracks, chips, or evidence of repair have been identified. The checkerboard-like texture on the surface is an intentional decorative design achieved through the glaze and is not damage.
Additional Information
Artist: Watanabe Kunio (Japanese ceramic artist)
Technique: Iroe (overglaze polychrome decoration)
Place of origin: Japan
Artist's seal present on the base
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.
Product Description
This is a polychrome decorated ceramic vase by Watanabe Kunio. The rounded, globular body features a matte glaze in a grey-brown tone, over which a fine checkerboard pattern and delicate incised lines have been applied, creating a richly textured surface reminiscent of aged stone or woven fabric. The short cylindrical neck is glazed in a vivid vermilion (orange-red), with fine striped bands, creating a striking contrast with the subdued tones of the body and the lustrous black glaze visible inside the mouth.
Standing approximately 16.5 cm tall with a mouth diameter of approximately 4 cm, the piece is compact yet commands a strong presence, making it well suited for display on shelves, in a tokonoma alcove, or in a display cabinet. A potter's seal (toin) is visible on the base, confirming that this is a hand-crafted work by the artist himself rather than a mass-produced item.
Artist Profile
Watanabe Kunio (born 1967) is a contemporary ceramic artist from Yamanashi Prefecture. He completed his graduate studies in ceramics at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1996, where he studied under Miura Koheiji (1933–2006), a Living National Treasure in celadon ware. In 2006, he established his own studio in Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, where he has since specialised in polychrome overglaze decoration (iroe) on porcelain.
Watanabe is a full member of the Japan Kogei Association (a public interest incorporated association) and also a member of the Japan Ceramic Art Association. His awards include the Encouragement Prize at the Tokai Traditional Crafts Exhibition (1999), the Grand Prize and Hokkaido Governor's Award at the Otaki Hokkaido Ceramics Exhibition (2010), the Japan Kogei Association Prize in the Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition (2011), and, in 2024, both the Special Prize and the 14th Generation Sakaida Kakiemon Memorial Prize at the 11th Tōbi Exhibition, as well as the Asahi Shimbun Prize at the Arita International Ceramic Exhibition. His work has been presented internationally, including in the exhibition Five by Eight: New Ceramic Art from Japan, held in Philadelphia (2011). Recent solo exhibitions include shows at Nihonbashi Takashimaya (2025), JR Nagoya Takashimaya (2025), and Yokohama Takashimaya (2024).
Dimensions
Height: 16.5 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 14 cm
Weight: 702g
Condition
Within the range visible in the photographs, there are minor signs of age-related wear, but no cracks, chips, or evidence of repair have been identified. The checkerboard-like texture on the surface is an intentional decorative design achieved through the glaze and is not damage.
Additional Information
Artist: Watanabe Kunio (Japanese ceramic artist)
Technique: Iroe (overglaze polychrome decoration)
Place of origin: Japan
Artist's seal present on the base
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
702 g
Title additional information
Iro-e Checkerboard - Watanabe Kunio
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Designer/artist/maker
Watanabe Kunio
Material
Porcelain
Style
Contemporary
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
16.5 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
14 cm
Diameter
4 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
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