Item Description: This is an exceptional Ki-seto (yellow Seto) flower vase by Kozo Kato Kozo (1935-2023), designated as a Living National Treasure for Setoguro technique. Standing 26.3 cm tall with a width of 12 cm, this piece was exhibited at the Modern Master Ceramics Exhibition, demonstrating its significance as a museum-quality work. Ki-seto is one of the four major ceramic styles of Mino ware from the Momoyama period, alongside Setoguro, Shino, and Oribe. The technique employs mogusa clay as the base and a distinctive yellow glaze derived from wood ash containing trace amounts of iron, fired in oxidation to achieve the characteristic warm yellow tones ranging from pale yellow-green to golden ochre. Kato was recognized as a Living National Treasure in 2010 for his mastery of Setoguro, but he was equally accomplished in all major Mino Momoyama ceramic traditions including Ki-seto. After studying under the legendary Toyozo Arakawa, who rediscovered these ancient techniques, Kato built anagama (tunnel kilns) in Hirachibaniya, deliberately abandoning modern facilities to pursue authentic Momoyama-era methods with hand-operated potter's wheels and primitive firing techniques. This flower vase exemplifies Kato's profound understanding of Ki-seto aesthetics. The form exhibits the refined elegance characteristic of Ki-seto ceramics, with the yellow-green glaze displaying the subtle variations in tone that emerge from traditional wood-ash-based glazes. The piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), authentication cloth (tomogire), certificate booklet (shiori), and exhibition catalogue, providing complete provenance documentation. The vase is in pristine condition with no damage, representing a significant work by one of the most important ceramic artists of modern Japan. Kato received numerous honors including the Chuunichi Culture Prize (1998), Order of the Sacred Treasure (2012), and honorary citizenship of three municipalities. This exhibition piece represents the pinnacle of his artistic achievement. Size Height: 26.3 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 12 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage, cracks, or chips. Artist Profile Kozo Kato Kozo (1935-2023) stands among the most distinguished ceramic artists of contemporary Japan. Born in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, he initially pursued painting and became the youngest artist ever to be accepted into the prestigious Nitten Exhibition's painting division at age 18. Under the guidance of fifth-generation Kobei Kato at the Gifu Prefectural Ceramics Research Institute, Kato transitioned to ceramics. His transformative encounter with Toyozo Arakawa in 1970 led him to abandon modern studio equipment and establish traditional anagama kilns in Hirachibaniya, pursuing the authentic techniques of Momoyama-period Mino ceramics. Kato's dedication to reviving ancient methods earned him designation as a Gifu Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder for both Shino and Setoguro in 1995, followed by national recognition as a Living National Treasure for Setoguro in 2010. His mastery extended across all four major Mino styles: Setoguro, Shino, Ki-seto, and Oribe. Beyond his artistic achievements, Kato founded the Fu-juku (Wind School) to train young ceramicists, ensuring the continuity of traditional techniques. He received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette (2012) and was honored as a distinguished citizen of Mizunami, Tajimi, and Kani cities. His workshop and kilns in Kani have been donated to preserve his legacy as part of the sacred grounds of Mino Momoyama ceramics. 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.