■ 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 authentic hand-crafted original by Kakuji Kokuryō, accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako). The piece demonstrates the refined glazing and painterly decorative control associated with high-level Kyō ware studio ceramics, where each motif and glaze effect is individually executed by hand. ■ Estimated Period: Late Shōwa to early Heisei period (1975–2000) — a period during which Kyō ware artists actively balanced classical courtly aesthetics with bold modern studio interpretations intended for sophisticated collectors and gallery presentation. ■ Description: A visually striking Kyō ware square flower vase by Kakuji Kokuryō, decorated with rich amber glaze (ameyū) and vivid red-enamel cloud motifs floating dramatically across a deep glossy ground. The sharp architectural silhouette of the vessel contrasts beautifully with the fluid organic movement of the cloud designs, producing a work that feels simultaneously classical and modern. The angular vertical body rises with strong geometric authority, while the carefully spaced motifs create rhythm and asymmetrical balance across each plane of the vase. The interaction between lustrous amber glaze, dark iron-rich underlayers, and vibrant overglaze red decoration gives the work exceptional decorative presence. What is Kyō Ware? Kyō ware refers to ceramics produced in Kyoto, historically associated with refined aesthetics cultivated through tea ceremony culture, aristocratic taste, and sophisticated urban craftsmanship. Unlike more rustic regional wares, Kyō ware is especially celebrated for elegance, painterly decoration, and highly artistic glaze experimentation. It has long occupied one of the most prestigious positions within Japanese ceramic culture. Who is Kakuji Kokuryō? Kakuji Kokuryō is a Japanese ceramic artist recognized for integrating traditional Kyō ware decorative sensibilities with modern sculptural vessel forms. His works often emphasize bold glaze contrast, refined surface composition, and strong architectural balance, appealing to collectors seeking ceramics that function equally as decorative art and sculptural design objects. What is Amber Glaze (Ameyū)? Ameyū, or amber glaze, is a traditional iron-rich glaze known for its deep translucent brown tones resembling caramelized sugar or lacquer. Depending on firing conditions, the glaze can produce remarkable depth, pooling effects, and warm tonal transitions that enhance both surface richness and form. About the Red-Enamel Cloud Motif: Cloud motifs hold a long history in East Asian decorative arts, symbolizing auspicious energy, transcendence, and elegance. Here, the stylized red cloud forms stand vividly against the dark amber surface, creating a dramatic floating effect reminiscent of classical painted screens and textile ornamentation. What is a Square Flower Vase? Unlike rounded vessels, a square flower vase emphasizes architectural geometry and planar composition. Such forms are particularly admired in modern Japanese ceramic art because they transform the vessel into a sculptural object with strong spatial presence suitable for contemporary interiors and gallery display. About the Tomobako: The original signed wooden storage box is an important component of authenticity and collector value in Japanese ceramics. The tomobako serves not only as protective housing but also as documentary proof of authorship and workshop attribution. ■ Expert’s Insight: This piece is especially compelling because it merges several highly collectible qualities into one work: sophisticated Kyō ware glazing, bold overglaze decorative painting, and a sculptural square form with strong contemporary display power. The dramatic visual contrast between glossy amber glaze and floating red cloud motifs gives the vase an unusually luxurious presence, making it highly effective both as a traditional Japanese art object and as a statement piece in modern interiors. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This is a handcrafted studio ceramic artwork. Minor glaze irregularities, kiln effects, firing marks, and subtle asymmetry are natural characteristics of authentic handmade Japanese pottery and should be appreciated as part of the work’s individuality. ■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.