When Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs designates an artist as Ningen Kokuhō (Living National Treasure), they acknowledge mastery representing the pinnacle of craft tradition. Third-generation Tokuda Yasokichi (born Masahiko) received this honour for revolutionising Kutani porcelain through his yōsai coloured-glaze technique—a method producing ethereal colour gradations that seem to breathe across ceramic surfaces. This vase exemplifies that achievement, its surface shifting from deep cobalt through violet to soft pink as naturally as dawn sky transitions. Kutani porcelain traces lineage to seventeenth-century kilns in Ishikawa Prefecture, where mineral-rich local clays and strategic trade connections fostered ceramic innovation. The Tokuda family has guided this tradition through three generations: the first Yasokichi established technical foundations, the second introduced modern sensibilities, and the third—creator of this vase—synthesised heritage and innovation into something unprecedented. His coloured-glaze technique abandons traditional enamel decoration applied atop fired porcelain; instead, metallic oxides fuse directly with the glaze during firing, creating colours that emanate from within rather than sitting atop the surface. The piece arrives with its tomobako bearing Tokuda's signature and seal—documentation that Japanese collectors consider as essential as the ceramic itself. The vase's form demonstrates classical proportions: a gently swelling body tapering to narrow neck, dimensions refined over centuries to achieve visual balance. But the glaze treatment defies convention—those gossamer colour transitions required firing at temperatures so precise that even five-degree variations would produce entirely different results. This vase translates beautifully into contemporary European interiors precisely because its aesthetic feels both ancient and thoroughly modern. Against white walls in minimalist lofts, it provides chromatic warmth without visual clutter. On antique console tables, it bridges centuries through shared commitment to craft excellence. Interior designers in Paris and Milan have recently specified Kutani porcelain for precisely this quality—objects possessing gravitas without imposing themselves, pieces that reward close inspection whilst functioning elegantly from across rooms. Condition merits careful description. The vase exhibits no chips, cracks, or restoration work. The glaze surface retains its original lustre, unmarred by handling wear or environmental degradation. Minor shelf marks appear on the unglazed foot ring—expected evidence of decades in a collector's cabinet. The narrow neck opening shows no damage despite vulnerability to cleaning implements; this suggests thoughtful stewardship by previous owners. Institutional collections worldwide include works by third-generation Tokuda Yasokichi: Tokyo National Museum, Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum, and numerous European institutions recognising his contribution to contemporary ceramics. Auction records demonstrate sustained collector demand, with signed pieces commanding premium prices reflective of both technical achievement and cultural significance. For collectors seeking authenticated works by designated Living National Treasures—artists whose techniques face extinction without deliberate preservation efforts—opportunities like this arrive rarely. Tokuda passed in recent years; his coloured-glaze method now belongs to history rather than ongoing production. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Extra-thick foam cushioning and double-boxing protect the narrow neck; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in Kutani porcelain and Living National Treasure works, guaranteeing this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1107