武腰　潤 Takegoshi Jun — "四季シリーズ 夏 / Four Seasons Series: Natsu (Summer)" — Kutani Ware Sake Bottle (Tokkuri) This exquisite Kutani ware sake bottle (tokkuri) belongs to the celebrated Four Seasons (四季) series by Jun Takegoshi, one of Japan's foremost masters of Iro-e (polychrome overglaze) Kutani porcelain. The piece represents Natsu — Summer — and is widely regarded as the most prized work in the Four Seasons series. The bottle features a refined square-form body in luminous white porcelain, divided into two distinctly different artistic expressions. On one face, bold diagonal bands sweep dynamically across the surface — layers of deep crimson, lilac filled with flowing hiragana script spelling "natsu" (なつ), vivid turquoise, a row of black medallions each bearing the kanji 夏 (summer), and a striking golden-yellow stripe. The interplay of these colorful ribbons, a hallmark of Takegoshi's sophisticated design language, creates a sense of joyful movement and contemporary elegance. The opposite face tells an entirely different, more contemplative story: rendered in soft blue-grey silhouette against the white ground, a camel caravan traverses endless desert dunes beneath a crescent moon, while in the foreground two small children sit side by side, gazing quietly at the passing scene. This tender tableau — evoking the ancient romance of faraway lands and the dreamy warmth of a summer night — is deeply nostalgic and full of poetic sentiment. A deep red kanji signature — 潤 (Jun) — is painted on the base. An outstanding example of Takegoshi's mastery, balancing bold decorative energy with moments of quiet contemplation. Size Height: 14.2 cm Width: 7.1 cm Depth: 7.1 cm Weight 262 g Condition The piece is in excellent condition for its age, with no chips, cracks, or restoration. Minor signs of age-related wear may be present; please refer carefully to the photographs. Artist Profile 武腰　潤 Takegoshi Jun (1948–) was born in Tairamachi, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, into one of the most distinguished lineages in Kutani porcelain history — his grandfather was Taizanshō Takegoshi (初代武腰泰山), a renowned master of the tradition. After graduating from Kanazawa College of Art, he devoted himself to Iro-e Kutani — the polychrome overglaze painting style for which the region is celebrated — building a career recognised both in Japan and internationally, with exhibitions in New York and London among others. He is a recipient of the Japan Ceramic Society Award (日本陶磁協会賞) and has received numerous prizes at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (伝統工芸品展). He currently serves as Chairman of the Kutani Ware Technical Preservation Society, designated by Ishikawa Prefecture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage preservation body (石川県指定無形文化財保存団体 九谷焼技術保存会会長). Takegoshi is particularly renowned for his masterful use of the tatara hand-building technique, which produces forms with a sculptural beauty impossible to achieve on the potter's wheel, and for the bold, graphic quality of his gosu (cobalt blue) line work — lines imbued with such concentrated energy that his animal and figural subjects seem poised to move at any moment. NOITICE: The photos may show flowers, plants, pedestals, etc. as examples of decorations and interior design for illustrative purposes, but please note that these are not included in the product. The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL , FedEx or Japan Post depend on the situation. It takes about 2 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 us and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate for your kind cooperation.