Item Description This is an exceptional decorative vase by Saichi Matsumoto (松本佐一 Matsumoto Saichi, 1930-), a distinguished Kutani ware artist and the 5th generation master of Matsuya Kiln. The piece showcases a stunning yellow-green glaze with a unique greenish gold leaf-like finish, a rare and distinctive technique that sets this work apart from typical Kutani ware. Kutani ware, one of Japan's most celebrated ceramic traditions, originates from Ishikawa Prefecture and is renowned for its vibrant overglaze enamels known as "Kutani Gosai" (five colors of Kutani). However, this piece demonstrates Matsumoto's mastery of glaze techniques, featuring a lustrous green surface treatment that evokes the appearance of aged gold leaf with a verdant patina. The vase exhibits an elegant elongated form with a slender neck that gracefully expands to a fuller body, creating a sophisticated silhouette. The greenish-gold metallic finish is particularly remarkable, achieved through careful control of glaze chemistry and firing conditions. This type of lustrous, gold-tinged glaze work requires exceptional technical skill and deep understanding of kiln atmosphere, making pieces like this relatively rare in Matsumoto's oeuvre. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1930, Saichi Matsumoto graduated from Kanazawa City College of Arts and Crafts, Ceramics Department in 1950. As the 5th generation master of Matsuya Kiln, he carries forward a legacy of Kutani ware excellence while developing his own distinctive aesthetic vision. His works are characterized by refined forms and masterful glaze techniques that demonstrate both respect for tradition and innovative artistic expression. The luminous quality of the green glaze is particularly captivating, with the surface displaying subtle variations in tone and sheen that catch and reflect light beautifully. The greenish-gold effect creates an impression of precious metal, adding a sense of luxury and refinement to the piece. This type of metallic glaze finish represents the pinnacle of technical achievement in Japanese ceramics. The vase comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming authenticity and provenance. The piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or damage, preserving the pristine beauty of the glaze surface. This work represents a superb example of contemporary Kutani ware by an accomplished master craftsman, perfect for collectors of Japanese ceramics or admirers of innovative glaze techniques. Size Height: 25.5 cm Body diameter: 13.0 cm Rim diameter (outer): 5.0 cm Base diameter: 6.5 cm Neck diameter (narrowest point): 2.3 cm Weight 756 g Condition Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or damage. Artist Profile Saichi Matsumoto (松本佐一 1930-) is a distinguished Kutani ware artist and the 5th generation master of Matsuya Kiln, one of the historic kilns in Ishikawa Prefecture's Kutani ware tradition. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1930, Matsumoto graduated from Kanazawa City College of Arts and Crafts, Ceramics Department in 1950. As heir to the Matsuya Kiln legacy, he has dedicated his career to both preserving traditional Kutani techniques and exploring innovative approaches to ceramic art. Kutani ware has a rich history dating back to the mid-17th century when the Daishoji Domain of the Kaga clan began porcelain production in Kutani village (present-day Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture). After the original kilns closed in the early 18th century, the tradition was revived in the 19th century and has since developed into one of Japan's most prestigious ceramic traditions. Matsumoto's work is characterized by exceptional technical mastery, particularly in glaze development and application. While Kutani ware is traditionally known for its vibrant overglaze enamels in five colors (green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue), Matsumoto has explored diverse glaze techniques including metallic and crystalline effects. As the 5th generation of Matsuya Kiln, Matsumoto carries forward a family legacy while contributing his own artistic vision to the Kutani tradition. His works demonstrate refined aesthetic sensibility combined with the technical excellence that defines Kutani ware at its finest. His pieces are sought after by collectors for their quality of craftsmanship, innovative glaze techniques, and the perfect balance between traditional form and contemporary expression. Works bearing the Matsuya Kiln mark and Matsumoto's signature represent the continuing vitality of one of Japan's great ceramic traditions. 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