Item Description: Wakimoto Hiroyuki Bizen flat vase. This elegant work exemplifies the refined aesthetic of contemporary Bizen ware, showcasing the natural beauty achieved through unglazed high-temperature firing. The flattened form provides an ideal canvas for displaying the varied surface effects characteristic of Bizen ceramics. The body exhibits natural variations in coloration and texture resulting from the kiln's flame patterns and ash deposits during firing. These spontaneous effects—created by the interaction of clay, flame, and ash over extended firing periods—produce the distinctive keshiki (landscape-like patterns) that make each Bizen piece unique. The elegant proportions of this flat vase demonstrate careful attention to form, with the compressed oval body creating visual interest from multiple viewing angles. The neck rises gracefully from the body, providing both functional utility and aesthetic balance. This piece comes with its original signed box and artist biography, confirming authenticity and provenance. Bizen ware represents one of the six ancient kilns of Japan, with a tradition extending back over one thousand years. Contemporary Bizen artists continue this legacy while bringing individual sensibilities to their work. The unglazed surface allows the natural clay to express itself fully, developing rich iron tones and subtle surface variations through the extended firing process in traditional climbing kilns. Size Height: 19.0 cm Mouth diameter: 7.2 × 4.9 cm Body diameter: 20.1 × 16.4 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage. Natural kiln effects typical of Bizen ware present. Artist Profile Wakimoto Hiroyuki is a contemporary Bizen ware artist working in the historic pottery region of Bizen, Okayama Prefecture. Following in the footsteps of generations of Bizen potters, Wakimoto creates works that honor traditional firing methods while expressing his individual artistic vision. Bizen, located in Okayama Prefecture, is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, with a ceramic tradition dating back over a millennium. The region is renowned for its distinctive unglazed stoneware, fired at high temperatures in traditional climbing kilns for extended periods—sometimes lasting two weeks or more. This intensive firing process, combined with the iron-rich local clay, produces the characteristic warm brown tones and natural surface effects that define Bizen ware. The aesthetic philosophy of Bizen ceramics centers on allowing natural processes to create beauty. Potters strategically position works within the kiln to capture different effects: hi-iro (fire color) where flames directly touch the clay, producing warm orange-red tones; goma (sesame) where wood ash melts onto the surface creating glossy brown spots; and other natural phenomena resulting from the complex chemistry of extended high-temperature firing. Wakimoto's works demonstrate technical command of these traditional processes while bringing contemporary sensibility to form and proportion. His pieces exhibit the robust, earthy quality characteristic of Bizen ceramics, with surfaces that reveal the intimate dialogue between potter, clay, and fire. The natural variations in color and texture—never replicated exactly—ensure each work possesses unique character. Working within this ancient tradition, Wakimoto produces a range of forms from tea ceremony wares to sake vessels and decorative objects. His flat vases in particular showcase the Bizen aesthetic, where the compressed form provides an ideal surface for displaying the varied effects created during firing. These pieces serve both as functional flower vessels and as sculptural objects that reward contemplation of their subtle surface qualities. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.