Item Description: This is a stunning and highly detailed teapot titled “Dragon”, created by the renowned Japanese ceramic artist Ruiji Aiba (b. 1964). Known for his fantastical and expressive forms inspired by mythical creatures and yokai, Aiba’s work blends sculptural dynamism with narrative richness. The teapot takes the form of a coiled dragon, with the dragon’s head forming the spout, and its tail shaping the handle. A small figure of a child (karako) holding a sacred jewel (hōju) sits atop the lid as a decorative knob. The dragon’s scales, claws, facial expression, and coiling body are rendered in dramatic, lifelike detail, bringing an energetic presence to the piece. This is a signed, exhibition-grade work by the artist, bearing the “R” mark on the base. It comes with the original tomobako (artist-signed wooden box) and the artist’s biography sheet, and is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Size: Width: approx. 17.5 cm Depth: approx. 10 cm Height: approx. 9 cm Artist/Maker Profile: Ruiji Aiba (相場 るい児) Born 1964 in Moji, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture Active as a musician and performance artist through the 1980s Graduated from Osaka Gakuin University in 1988 Studied ceramics at Aichi Prefectural Ceramics Technical School (1992) Began producing ceramics in Seto, Aichi Since 1995, has held numerous solo exhibitions across Japan Known for creating whimsical and imaginative works featuring yokai, animals, and mythical figures 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.