This is an earthenware vase with handles by Rakusai Takahashi, known for Shigaraki pottery. This is a vase that showcases the natural color of Shigaraki pottery clay. It has a subtle gradient from top to bottom, accentuating the rough texture of the clay, which is characteristic of Shigaraki ware. Rakusai Takahashi is a fifth-generation kiln owner from Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. Using wood-fired kilns, they produce tea ceramics, flower vases, tableware, and more. Rakusai Takahashi is designated as an intangible cultural asset holder for Shigaraki pottery preservation in Shiga Prefecture. He passed away at the age of 77. His real name was Kozo. Born on October 31, 1898, in Koga District to a family of kiln owners specializing in Shigaraki pottery, he studied at the Kyoto Ceramic Institute in 1921, and from the following year, he engaged in pottery production in Shigaraki Town. In 1927, he succeeded the name Rakusai and worked on reproducing old Shigaraki pottery. Shigaraki-yaki (Shigaraki ware) is a type of pottery produced in the vicinity of Shigaraki Town in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan and has a history dating back approximately 1200 years. Shigaraki-yaki is made by kneading clay and ingredients such as wood chips, mica, and frog eyes into clay, giving it elasticity and allowing for the creation of thick-walled and large pottery items. It is characterized by its sticky and high-quality clay, allowing for a wide range of items from small to gigantic. The charm of Shigaraki-yaki lies in its rustic appearance, which reflects the richness of nature. When fired, it develops beautiful warm colors such as flesh tones, pinks, and reddish-brown hues, and applying glass glaze or scorching to its surface creates a unique, human-like, soft, and warm expression in pottery that is not found in other regions. Shigaraki-yaki is said to have originated when Emperor Shomu ordered the tiles for Shigaraki Palace, built in 742 during the Nara period. In 1976, Shigaraki-yaki was designated as a traditional craft of Japan, recognizing its historical and cultural value. Vase size Width 12.5 cm Depth 12.5 cm Height 23.5 cm Weight 1500 g Box size Width 15.5 cm Depth 15.5 cm Height 28.3 cm Total Weight 2120 g Condition: The condition is good. There is hardly any noticeable use. It has been stored at home. Please take a look as I have posted many photos. 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. 022422080403