This is a Kutani ware vase crafted by Sakuichi Matsumoto 松本佐一. This is a vase depicting pomegranates. Three stages of the pomegranate, from bud to bloom, are depicted. The overall color is yellow, making a strong impact. Additionally, pomegranates are considered auspicious fruits symbolizing prosperity and fertility, referred to as "auspicious fruits" in Buddhism. Sakuichi Matsumoto (1930-2021) was a Kutani ware artist from Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture. He was known for his free artistic style and diverse use of colors, and he received the Cultural Merit Award from the prefecture. He was certified as an intangible cultural asset holder of Kutani ware in Ishikawa Prefecture and made significant contributions to the development and advancement of Kutani ware. Kutani-yaki 九谷焼： Kutani is one of the pottery-producing regions known for Kutani-yaki, a type of Japanese ceramics. Kutani-yaki is produced in Ishikawa Prefecture, with Kutani City being particularly renowned as a major center for its production. Kutani-yaki is said to have been first fired in 1655 in Kutani Village, Echizen County, Kaga Province, during the early Edo period. It was commissioned by Maeda Toshitsugu, the lord of Oyamazaki Castle, to Gotō Saizaburō, a potter in his domain. Kutani-yaki is characterized by its richly colored glazes and bold, vigorous painting, distinguishing it from other overglaze enamel ceramics. Kutani-yaki is a traditional Japanese ceramic ware produced in the Kutani region of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. This region is particularly renowned and is one of the "Three Great Kilns of Japan," alongside Iga-yaki and Shino-yaki. Kutani-yaki is known for its beautiful hand-painted designs and distinctive techniques. One prominent feature is the use of vibrant glazes to depict intricate patterns, landscapes, flora, and fauna. Additionally, gold and silver leaf may be applied, adding further elegance to the pottery. The pottery comes in various shapes and serves different purposes, including tea bowls, vases, plates, teacups, and teapots. These ceramic wares are widely appreciated both within Japan and internationally, often chosen as souvenirs or gifts. Kutani-yaki boasts a long history, thriving during the Edo period. Even today, traditional methods are preserved, while contemporary artists continue to incorporate new art and design into their creations. Vase: Center Diameter 23.5 cm Top Diameter 11.2 cm Bottom Diameter 10.7 cm Height 19.7 cm Weight 2530 g Condition: The condition is good . There are no chips or cracks. There are almost no scratches, scuffs, peeling of paint or dirt. It has been stored at home. Please take a look at the numerous photos for more details. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 031200010428