■ Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. ■ Authenticity & Handcrafted Nature: This is an original, fully handcrafted ceramic flower vase produced at Sōzan Kiln within the Mino ware tradition. It was wheel-thrown, slip-coated, glazed, and kiln-fired using traditional studio techniques. The work is accompanied by its original signed tomobako, confirming its authenticity, provenance, and direct connection to the kiln. Subtle variations in glaze tone, texture, and form are natural results of handmade production and testify to its genuine artistic origin. ■ Estimated Period: Late Shōwa to early Heisei period (1985–2000) — a period when Mino-based studio potters actively reinterpreted classical tea-ceremony aesthetics through experimental glazing, sculptural forms, and renewed emphasis on individual artistic identity. ■ Description: This refined Shirotsuke hanaire represents a distinguished example of modern Mino ware, created by Sōzan Kiln and designated as a “Sōshō Selection” work. The vessel features a powerful sculptural silhouette with an integrated handle-like structure, combining functional stability with artistic presence. The surface is finished using the traditional shirotsuke technique, in which a fine white slip is applied before glazing. During high-temperature firing, this slip interacts with ash deposits and glaze materials, producing layered tonal depth, soft luminosity, and organic kiln effects. The resulting surface reflects both technical mastery and natural unpredictability. What Is Mino Ware? Mino ware is one of Japan’s most historically significant ceramic traditions, originating in Gifu Prefecture over 1,300 years ago. It gave rise to influential styles such as Shino, Oribe, Seto-guro, and Ki-Seto, which profoundly shaped Japanese tea culture. Today, Mino remains the heart of Japanese studio ceramics, combining tradition with contemporary innovation. What Is Sōzan Kiln? Sōzan Kiln is a respected studio kiln operating in the Mino region, specializing in small-batch, handcrafted ceramics. The kiln emphasizes natural glazing, expressive firing techniques, and sculptural form. Its works reflect a strong commitment to wabi-sabi aesthetics and are valued by tea practitioners and collectors alike. What Is “Sōshō Selection”? “Sōshō Selection” refers to works carefully chosen by the kiln master or supervising artist as representative examples of superior craftsmanship and artistic balance. Only pieces that meet high standards in form, glaze harmony, and firing condition receive this designation. What Is a Shirotsuke Hanaire? A Shirotsuke hanaire is a flower vase finished with a white slip coating beneath the glaze. This technique creates a soft, luminous base tone and enhances depth through interaction with ash and glaze during firing. Such vases are highly appreciated in tea ceremony for their calm presence and adaptability to seasonal flowers. About the Form: Hanaire (Flower Vase) In Japanese tea culture, the hanaire functions as both a flower container and an independent sculptural object. Its proportions, balance, and surface texture are designed to harmonize with architectural space and seasonal aesthetics. This example demonstrates advanced understanding of both visual and practical requirements. Significance of the Tomobako The original tomobako bears the handwritten inscription “宗山窯 宗匠選 白付花入,” indicating kiln name, selection status, and title. In Japanese ceramic culture, such boxes serve as formal certificates of authenticity and greatly enhance scholarly and market value. ■ Expert’s Insight: This Shirotsuke hanaire exemplifies the mature phase of modern Mino studio ceramics, where refined surface treatment, sculptural design, and tea-ceremony philosophy converge. The “Sōshō Selection” designation confirms its high artistic evaluation within the kiln. For European and international collectors, this work offers museum-level appeal as a sculptural art object rooted in one of Japan’s most important ceramic lineages, further strengthened by complete original documentation. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This is a vintage handcrafted ceramic work. Minor variations in glaze thickness, surface texture, firing marks, and tonal shifts are inherent to traditional production methods and should be appreciated as authentic characteristics rather than defects. These features affirm the individuality and historical integrity of the piece. ■Shipping & Handling: We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.