Artist / Maker: Tachikichi (Kyoto Pottery) Beautifully clear blue This is an elegant celadon vase from Tachikichi, a venerable name in Kyoto ceramics with a long history of producing refined ware grounded in traditional Japanese craft. The piece is especially admired for its beautiful celadon glaze and richly textured surface. The soft, jade-like celadon (seiji) glaze evokes a calm, timeless elegance — a hue long cherished in East Asian ceramics for its resemblance to jade and its serene visual depth. Included with the vase is its original wooden tomobako (storage box), indicating careful preservation and adding to its appeal for collectors. The presence of the box enhances the piece’s authenticity and collectible value, making it suitable both as a refined display object and as an exquisite gift for connoisseurs of traditional Japanese ceramics. The balanced silhouette, tranquil celadon color, intricate ice-crackle pattern, and poetic title together make this vase a harmonious fusion of craftsmanship and aesthetic depth, perfect for interior décor or a curated collection of Japanese ceramics. “Kiyomizu-yaki (also known as Kyoto Ware)” — Artistic and Cultural Explanation Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) is one of Japan’s most respected and refined ceramic traditions, originating in Kyoto, the ancient capital with deep roots in Japanese cultural arts. Historically, Kiyomizu-yaki pottery was made along the streets near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, particularly on Gojozaka, and its history traces back centuries as part of the broader Kyō ware tradition. A Legacy of Kyoto Craftsmanship Kiyomizu-yaki is considered part of Kyō ware (京焼 / Kyo-yaki) — a wide category of ceramics produced in Kyoto that encompasses many techniques and styles. Unlike some regional pottery that follows a single signature look, Kyoto ceramics from Kiyomizu are known for their varied techniques, forms, and decorations, reflecting the convergence of craftsmanship collected in the cultural heart of Japan. Artistic Qualities • Elegant decoration: Kiyomizu-yaki often features hand-painted motifs, delicate color glazes, and refined surface treatments. Some works also include gilding (gold decoration) and intricate designs that speak to a high level of artistic expertise. • Sophisticated aesthetics: Because Kyoto was a center of tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and other traditional arts, Kiyomizu ceramics developed in harmony with these cultural practices, emphasizing graceful shapes and refined decoration that appeal to both functional and decorative senses. • Wide range of expressions: The tradition encompasses forms from everyday tableware and tea utensils to ornamental pieces, vases (hanaire), and sculptural ceramics, each reflecting the maker’s interpretation of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Cultural and Historical Context The ceramic tradition around Kiyomizu Temple began over four centuries ago and flourished alongside the rise of the tea ceremony (chanoyu) in Japan’s early Edo period. Potters in Kyoto blended imported techniques with local sensibilities to create pieces that were both practical and artistically expressive. Today, Kiyomizu-yaki remains a living craft, with artisans maintaining traditional hand-making methods while also incorporating contemporary expressions. Whether produced as delicate porcelain or richly decorated stoneware, each piece carries with it the legacy of Kyoto’s artistic culture and craftsmanship. 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.