A Symphony of Colour – A Porcelain Masterpiece by Living National Treasure Tokuda Yasokichi III A striking Japanese Kutani porcelain vase by Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933–2009), one of Japan's most celebrated ceramic artists, who was designated a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuho) in 1997 for his exceptional mastery of coloured-glaze porcelain (Saiyu Jiki). The vase is distinguished by its extraordinary interplay of cobalt blue, luminous turquoise, golden yellow, emerald green and deep chocolate-brown glazes. Rather than relying on painted ornamentation, this work transforms colour itself into its principal artistic expression. The flowing patterns evoke cascading waterfalls, shifting northern lights or an abstract landscape suspended within the porcelain surface. Highlights Artist: Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933–2009) Recognition: Living National Treasure of Japan, designated in 1997 Tradition: Kutani ware, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan Technique: Saiyu (coloured-glaze porcelain) Richly coloured, flowing glaze decoration with remarkable depth and luminosity Elegant spherical body with a slender neck and gently flared mouth Distinctive red calligraphic signature on the underside The Beauty of Flowing Colour The most captivating quality of this vase is the extraordinary movement of its glazes. Intense cobalt blue merges into translucent turquoise and soft yellow, while dark, almost violet-brown passages provide dramatic contrast. These colours appear to descend from the shoulders of the vessel in fluid, organic formations, gradually dissolving into the rich brown tones of the lower body. Viewed from above, the arrangement takes on an almost radial composition, with colourful passages spreading outward from the central opening. From the front, the same colours become vertical streams of light, creating an entirely different visual experience. The glossy surface adds another dimension, responding beautifully to changes in illumination and viewing angle. Tokuda Yasokichi III – A Living National Treasure Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933–2009) was one of the most important figures in modern Japanese ceramic art and a master of the celebrated Kutani porcelain tradition. Born into a distinguished family of Kutani ceramic artists in Ishikawa Prefecture, he inherited generations of technical knowledge while developing a highly individual artistic language. His greatest achievement was the refinement of Saiyu, a sophisticated coloured-glaze technique that creates remarkable gradations and transitions between vivid colours. Rather than using traditional painted motifs, Tokuda explored the expressive potential of colour itself, creating compositions of extraordinary luminosity, depth and movement. In 1997, the Japanese government designated him a Living National Treasure, formally recognising him as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for coloured-glaze porcelain. This prestigious recognition established his position among the foremost masters of Japanese ceramic art. His artistic legacy represents a remarkable synthesis of traditional Kutani craftsmanship and modern abstract expression. Sculptural Form and Artistic Presence The vase features a beautifully balanced, rounded body rising into a narrow neck with a softly flared rim. Its simple silhouette provides the ideal canvas for the elaborate glaze decoration. The contrast between the restrained form and dynamic surface gives the work a particularly compelling presence. Displayed without flowers, it functions as a complete ceramic sculpture, bringing colour and visual depth to a minimalist interior, a traditional Japanese alcove or a carefully curated collection of modern decorative arts. Signature and Details The underside bears a distinctive red calligraphic signature, clearly illustrated in the photographs. The photographs also reveal the individual character of the glaze transitions, the lustrous surface and the carefully proportioned form. An exceptional expression of Japanese coloured-glaze artistry, associated with the creative legacy of Tokuda Yasokichi III, a master whose achievements earned him Japan's highest recognition for traditional craftsmanship: the title of Living National Treasure. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility. This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition.