Item Description 柴岡正志 Shibaoka Masashi（1946-） This large Bizen-ware flower vase (hanaire) was created by Shibaoka Masashi, third-generation master of the Kozan Kiln, working under the art name Shibaoka Kozan. Fired without glaze in a traditional wood-burning climbing kiln (noborigama), it embodies the essence of Bizen ware — one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns with over a thousand years of history. The robust barrel-shaped body is deliberately asymmetrical, with a collar-like rim at the neck and two applied clay nodules (tsubu) evoking the hoops of an ancient wooden barrel. The piece's greatest attraction is its spectacular kiln scenery (keshiki): the front face presents a cool grey-blue ground (ao-bizen tone) across which warm amber oval flame markings bloom naturally on both the upper and lower body, with a bold drip trace flowing downward, adding calligraphic vitality to the composition. The reverse side offers a striking contrast — a deeply smoked matte surface with subtle golden-green ash deposits, shifting the mood from vibrant flame to quiet contemplation. The porous, unglazed surface of Bizen ware is renowned for extending the life of cut flowers, making this an ideal vessel for ikebana or a single-stem display in a tokonoma alcove. Comes with the artist's signed wooden box (tomobako), two biographical pamphlets, and an orange carrying cloth (shifuku). Size Height: 22 cm Width: 15 cm (diameter) Weight: 1,680 g Condition Pristine and unused, with no chips, cracks, repairs, or restoration; all surface markings are entirely natural kiln effects. Artist Profile 柴岡正志 Shibaoka Masashi（1946-）, working under the art name Shibaoka Kozan (3rd generation), is a certified Traditional Craftsman (Dentō Kōgeishi) of Bizen ware designated by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, he succeeded as third-generation Kozan in 1998 and was recognized as a Traditional Craftsman in 2008. He received the Order of the Rising Sun (Zuihōtankōshō) in the 2019 Spring Honors and was designated an Intangible Cultural Asset of Bizen City in 2024. The Kozan Kiln, founded in 1912, upholds the heritage of ao-bizen and classic wood-fired techniques across four generations of the Shibaoka family. 【Important Notice】 The item will be carefully packaged and shipped via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx depending on the situation. Delivery typically takes approximately 2-3 weeks. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Cannot be combined with other items for shipping. Thank you.