Bizen ware is one of the "Six Ancient Kilns of Japan," produced in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It is a simple, durable pottery that is fired without glaze, using only the power of clay and fire. Using clay with a high iron content, and firing slowly at high temperatures of over 1200 degrees, unique patterns (kiln changes) such as hidasuki (fire sashes), sangiri (cross-cuts), and sesame (sesame) are created, and the more you use it, the more its flavor improves. Artist: Kimura Bifū木村微風(b.1951)(artist name 微風 also signed on the bottom of the vase) 1951 Born in Funao-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 1971 Joined the pottery studio Toseien 1976 Joined the pottery studio Kouido 1993 Solo exhibition at Nara Sogo Department Store 1995 Two-person exhibition at Keihan Department Store 1996 Solo exhibition at Osaka Hankyu Department Store 1997 Solo exhibition at Keihan Department Store (annually) 1998 Two-person exhibition at Matsuzakaya Department Store 2001 Solo exhibition in San Francisco 2005 Solo exhibition in San Francisco With inscribed tomobako. Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 25.5 cm Net weight: 1.98 kg Weight with tomobako: 2.6 kg Good condition, there are stains and wear off from using and aging, please also take a look at the listed photos for a reference. Will be well packaged and shipping by Japan Post in fast delivery.