– Work by Asakura Masahiro, Kutani porcelain artist from Ishikawa Prefecture – Delicate overglaze enamels depicting classical bird-and-blossom motifs – Elegant cabinet-sized vase suited to modern or traditional interiors Summary: A porcelain vase by Asakura Masahiro, working in the Kutani tradition of Ishikawa Prefecture. The piece features refined overglaze enamel decoration in the "flower-and-bird" (kachō) style, a recurring theme in Japanese and East Asian art that symbolises harmony between nature and the seasons. Kutani ware is prized for its bold, richly coloured enamels, and this vase demonstrates the controlled application of pigment and fine brushwork associated with skilled studio potters. The vase is unused and comes with its signed wooden storage box (tomobako). Kutani porcelain has been produced in Ishikawa since the 17th century, and the tradition was revived and modernised in the Meiji era. Today's Kutani artists continue to work with overglaze enamels – typically greens, yellows, purples, and iron reds – applied over a clear or white glaze and fired at lower temperatures. The results are luminous and painterly, with a jewel-like quality that distinguishes Kutani from other Japanese porcelain schools. Asakura Masahiro's approach honours this lineage while allowing for personal interpretation. The bird-and-flower motif here is rendered with economy of line and restrained colour, allowing the white porcelain ground to breathe. The flowers appear to be stylised plum or cherry blossoms, and the bird, possibly a sparrow or finch, is depicted mid-flight or perched delicately on a branch. The composition wraps around the vase, inviting the viewer to turn it and discover the scene unfolding. The form itself is simple and graceful – a gently swelling body tapering to a narrow neck. This shape, known as hanaire or ikebana vase, is intended for single-stem flower arrangements, a practice central to Japanese aesthetics. In a European or American home, the vase works beautifully as a standalone decorative object or with a single branch of seasonal foliage. The piece is in excellent condition. The enamels are bright and intact, the porcelain is free from cracks or chips, and the glaze has a clean, even finish. It comes with its tomobako, inscribed and sealed by the artist, which attests to its authenticity and provenance. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1405