Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, 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 some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. Description: This is an exceptional Japanese hanging flower vase (Kake-Hanaire) attributed to the Kenzan school, bearing the designation “Kenzan-shō” (乾山省), and created in the artistic lineage of Ogata Kenzan, one of the most revered ceramic artists of the Edo period. The piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (inscribed wooden box) and original wrapping cloth, a combination that significantly enhances both its scholarly credibility and collector value. The cylindrical ceramic body is decorated with a refined pictorial composition of grasses, executed in a restrained yet expressive manner characteristic of Kenzan aesthetics. The surface displays a softly crackled glaze, subtle tonal variation, and painterly brushwork—elements that reward close, contemplative viewing. What is “Kenzan-shō” (乾山省)? “Kenzan-shō” refers to works created in the style of Ogata Kenzan, either by later followers, workshop successors, or artists working within the Kenzan lineage. Key points: Indicates stylistic and philosophical inheritance rather than direct authorship Widely accepted and documented within Japanese art historical scholarship Frequently encountered in museum collections and academic catalogues Reflects continuity of Kenzan’s aesthetic ideals across generations Works designated as Kenzan-shō are valued not merely as derivatives, but as historical extensions of the Kenzan artistic vision. Who was Ogata Kenzan (尾形乾山)? Ogata Kenzan (1663–1743) was one of the most influential ceramic artists in Japanese history, active during the Edo period and closely associated with the Rinpa school. His importance includes: Brother of Ogata Kōrin, master painter of the Rinpa tradition Innovator who fused painting, poetry, and ceramics into unified art forms His works are preserved in major Japanese and international museums Renowned for expressive brushwork, poetic inscriptions, and asymmetrical beauty Kenzan’s ceramics are not simply vessels—they are three-dimensional paintings, embodying literary, visual, and philosophical depth. What is a Kake-Hanaire (掛花入)? A Kake-Hanaire is a wall-hanging flower vase, traditionally used in tea rooms and refined interiors. Characteristics: Designed to interact with architectural space rather than furniture Encourages minimal, seasonal floral arrangements Closely aligned with Zen aesthetics and tea ceremony philosophy Considered among the most intellectually demanding flower vessels Such objects were often reserved for cultured settings and connoisseur use, making surviving examples with original boxes especially rare. Museum and Scholarly Context Comparable Kenzan-style hanging flower vases are held in: National museums in Japan University art museums Major international collections specializing in East Asian art Within these contexts, they are studied as key examples of Rinpa-influenced ceramic expression and the evolution of painterly ceramics. Expert’s Insight: This hanging flower vase exemplifies the enduring legacy of Ogata Kenzan’s artistic philosophy. The lyrical brushwork, restrained glaze, and contemplative form reflect a mature understanding of Kenzan aesthetics. From a curatorial standpoint, this work aligns closely with documented museum-held examples of Kenzan-school ceramics and would be entirely at home within an institutional or advanced private collection. 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.