Artist: Ako Title of work: Kutani-ware 8-Go Vase with Oribe Glaze “Gin-Renzan” (Flower Vase / Decorative Jar, with Original Wooden Box) This is a fine Kutani-ware porcelain vase created by the artist Ako, presented with its original wooden tomobako (storage box). Kutani ware is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional ceramic styles, originating in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is known for its vivid overglaze decoration, often featuring rich, bold colors that embody both natural beauty and artistic expression. About the Artist — Ako The designation “Ako saku” (阿古作) indicates that this piece was made by the artist Ako and bears her signature mark. In Japanese ceramics, such maker’s marks — especially when accompanied by a tomobako — authenticate the work and link it directly to the artist’s practice, adding both cultural significance and collectible value to the piece. Kutani ware is a form of Japanese porcelain famous for its vibrant overglaze colors and bold brushwork. Traditionally, Kutani employs a palette called gosai (“five colors”), including green, blue, yellow, purple, and red. These richly layered pigments produce expressive designs that often incorporate landscapes, flora, and symbolic motifs. The term “Oribe glaze” (Oribe yū) here refers to a distinctive glaze style inspired by Oribe ware, a celebrated form of Japanese pottery dating to the 16th century. Oribe glazes are known for their freely applied, painterly surface quality and often combine earthy tones with dynamic, flowing forms and areas of contrasting color. In this instance, the Oribe glaze treatment on Kutani porcelain creates a harmonious fusion of stylistic traditions — the bold glaze characteristics of Oribe complement the expressive overglaze decoration for which Kutani is renowned. The term “Gin-Renzan” (銀連山) can be translated literally as “Silver Mountain Range.” While not a widely standardized ceramic term, it is typically used in Japanese pottery naming to evoke a poetic landscape imagery with metallic nuance — suggesting a mountain range shining like silver. This kind of thematic naming imbues the work with a strong visual and symbolic narrative, linking the decorative design to natural scenery and cultural sensibilities. With its balanced form and decorative sophistication, this vase is suitable for flower arrangement (ikebana) or as a stand-alone ornamental piece. The combination of Oribe glaze aesthetics and classic Kutani overglaze decoration showcases a cross-currents of ceramic traditions, offering both visual depth and cultural resonance. The presence of the original tomobako further enhances its completeness and desirability for collectors of Japanese traditional crafts. Shipping from Japan with Tracking Number & Insurance. I promise fast shipping via FedEx or DHL as soon as possible! Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.