Item Description: Imai Masayuki (今井政之, 1930-2023) - Irabo Glaze Vase with Inlaid Floral Pattern This is an exceptional vase by Imai Masayuki, designated as Person of Cultural Merit and recipient of the Order of Culture, one of the most honored figures in contemporary ceramics. The work comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming its authenticity. This piece features the distinctive Irabo glaze with his signature inlaid floral motif. Imai Masayuki is celebrated as one of the giants of twentieth and twenty-first century ceramic art. His career spanned seven decades and transformed the landscape of contemporary pottery through his innovative techniques and unique aesthetic vision. Born in Osaka in 1930, Imai moved to Takehara in 1943 and began his ceramic training in Bizen before studying under the legendary Kusube Yaichi in Kyoto. It was there that he developed his groundbreaking approach to ceramic art, creating techniques that would become his signature: "kokedei-sai" (moss mud coloring) and elaborate inlay methods featuring flowers, fish, and other natural motifs inspired by the Seto Inland Sea. This vase exemplifies Imai's mastery of the Irabo glaze style combined with his characteristic inlaid decoration. The warm, earthy tones of the Irabo glaze provide a perfect canvas for the delicate inlaid floral patterns that dance across the vessel's surface. The technique involves pressing carved designs into the clay body and filling them with contrasting colored slips, creating images of remarkable depth and subtlety. Size Height: 27 cm Width: 15 cm Depth: 15 cm Weight: 1,918 g (1.9 kg) Condition Good condition with minor signs of age appropriate to the work. Artist Profile Imai Masayuki (今井政之, 1930-2023) Born in 1930 in Osaka, Imai Masayuki became one of the most honored ceramic artists in contemporary history. His distinguished career includes: 1952: Began apprenticeship with Kusube Yaichi in Kyoto 1953: Founding member of Seitokai (Blue Pottery Association) 1959, 1963: Received Special Selection and Hokuto Prize at Nitten 1965: Appointed as Nitten juror at exceptionally young age 1993: Received Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Award and Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon 1995: Received Mainichi Art Award 1998: Received Japan Art Academy Prize 2003: Elected member of Japan Art Academy 2009: Received Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon 2011: Designated as Person of Cultural Merit 2018: Received Order of Culture (the highest honor for cultural achievement) 2023: Passed away at age 92; posthumously awarded Junior Third Rank Imai pioneered the technique known as "kokedei-sai" (moss mud coloring) and became the foremost master of inlaying floral and marine motifs in contemporary ceramics. His work, deeply influenced by the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea where he lived and worked, achieved international recognition for its technical brilliance and aesthetic refinement. Throughout his career, Imai served in numerous leadership positions including director of Nitten and board member of various cultural foundations. His legacy is preserved in the Imai Masayuki Exhibition Hall in Takehara, where his kilns and works remain accessible to the public. 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.