“Shikō Mitsuhen” Vase by Kanō Mitsuo – With Original Signed Wooden Box - Japan - 1980
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Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 300 - € 500
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One Shikō Mitsuhen Vase by Kanō Mitsuo (1980), made in Japan, 28 cm high, 15 cm wide, 15 cm deep, in good condition, with the original signed wooden box.
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Description from the seller
Please Note:
I usually ship within 24 hours after payment, but payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance, but customs duties are not included. Import taxes may occur depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust these fees. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As the item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual.
Description:
An elegant “Shikō Mitsuhen” (紫紅蜜変) vase created by Kanō Mitsuo (叶光夫), a highly respected Japanese ceramic artist and juror for the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). This piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako).
The vase exhibits an exquisite play of color — a mesmerizing gradation of deep purple, ruby red, and blue tones flowing seamlessly across its curved form. The interplay of colors shifts beautifully under light, revealing layers of iridescent hues and subtle transitions. The elegant swelling silhouette enhances the color movement, creating a perfect harmony between shape and glaze.
About Kanō Mitsuo (叶光夫):
Kanō Mitsuo (b. 1939) is a renowned Japanese ceramic artist celebrated for his mastery of color-changing glazes and refined modern aesthetics. A long-time participant and juror of Nitten, Japan’s most prestigious art exhibition, he is recognized for blending traditional Japanese ceramic techniques with modern sensibility. His work often explores the poetic beauty of transformation through glaze and fire, making each creation entirely unique.
About “Shikō Mitsuhen” (紫紅蜜変):
“Shikō Mitsuhen” refers to a type of transformative glaze characterized by its rich purple-red (“shikō”) tones and honey-like (“mitsuhen”) iridescent surface. This complex glazing method produces subtle, spontaneous color shifts as the piece reacts to the firing atmosphere. The result is a luminous, unpredictable finish that makes each work one of a kind — much like natural phenomena such as dawn or sunset captured in clay.
Estimated Production Year:
Likely produced in the 1980s to 1990s, during the height of Kanō Mitsuo’s mature artistic period when his glaze innovation and color gradation techniques were most refined.
Expert’s Insight:
This vase exemplifies the best of Kanō Mitsuo’s artistry — a perfect fusion of technical mastery and poetic beauty. The fluid gradation from deep ruby to violet and soft blue is breathtaking, creating a living surface that changes with every angle of light. The form and glaze together evoke the essence of Japanese elegance and natural transformation.
Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.
Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Please Note:
I usually ship within 24 hours after payment, but payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance, but customs duties are not included. Import taxes may occur depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust these fees. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As the item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual.
Description:
An elegant “Shikō Mitsuhen” (紫紅蜜変) vase created by Kanō Mitsuo (叶光夫), a highly respected Japanese ceramic artist and juror for the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). This piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako).
The vase exhibits an exquisite play of color — a mesmerizing gradation of deep purple, ruby red, and blue tones flowing seamlessly across its curved form. The interplay of colors shifts beautifully under light, revealing layers of iridescent hues and subtle transitions. The elegant swelling silhouette enhances the color movement, creating a perfect harmony between shape and glaze.
About Kanō Mitsuo (叶光夫):
Kanō Mitsuo (b. 1939) is a renowned Japanese ceramic artist celebrated for his mastery of color-changing glazes and refined modern aesthetics. A long-time participant and juror of Nitten, Japan’s most prestigious art exhibition, he is recognized for blending traditional Japanese ceramic techniques with modern sensibility. His work often explores the poetic beauty of transformation through glaze and fire, making each creation entirely unique.
About “Shikō Mitsuhen” (紫紅蜜変):
“Shikō Mitsuhen” refers to a type of transformative glaze characterized by its rich purple-red (“shikō”) tones and honey-like (“mitsuhen”) iridescent surface. This complex glazing method produces subtle, spontaneous color shifts as the piece reacts to the firing atmosphere. The result is a luminous, unpredictable finish that makes each work one of a kind — much like natural phenomena such as dawn or sunset captured in clay.
Estimated Production Year:
Likely produced in the 1980s to 1990s, during the height of Kanō Mitsuo’s mature artistic period when his glaze innovation and color gradation techniques were most refined.
Expert’s Insight:
This vase exemplifies the best of Kanō Mitsuo’s artistry — a perfect fusion of technical mastery and poetic beauty. The fluid gradation from deep ruby to violet and soft blue is breathtaking, creating a living surface that changes with every angle of light. The form and glaze together evoke the essence of Japanese elegance and natural transformation.
Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.
Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
1980
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
“Shikō Mitsuhen” Vase by Kanō Mitsuo – With Original Signed Wooden Box
Height
28 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
15 cm
Condition
Good condition
