■ 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 handmade Aka-Shino flower vase created by Kato Ken of the respected Genkuro Kiln, one of the notable contemporary kilns working within the historic Mino ceramic tradition. The piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako), artist's biography document, and original protective cloth, all of which contribute significantly to provenance, authenticity, and collector desirability. As with all high-level Japanese studio ceramics, variations in glaze movement, firing effects, iron spotting, and form are intentional results of the artistic process. These natural kiln-created characteristics ensure that no two pieces are ever identical. ■ Estimated Period: Heisei period (1990–2015) — a period when Mino ceramic artists actively revived and refined Momoyama-period aesthetics, producing collector-oriented works that reinterpreted classical Shino traditions through contemporary studio craftsmanship. ■ Description: This remarkable Aka-Shino flower vase embodies the bold spirit of Mino pottery while paying homage to the celebrated tea ceramics of the Momoyama period. The vessel features a compact architectural form covered in dramatic white feldspathic glaze flowing across a rich iron-red clay body. The contrast between the creamy glaze and exposed red earthenware creates the powerful visual rhythm that has made Aka-Shino one of Japan’s most admired ceramic styles. The composition displays excellent balance between spontaneity and control. Areas of exposed clay emerge through the glaze like abstract landscapes, while natural iron spotting and firing effects enrich the surface with depth and complexity. The vase possesses both sculptural presence and practical functionality, making it equally suitable as a display object or flower vessel. The work is accompanied by its original tomobako, biography document, and signed cloth, a highly desirable combination for collectors of Japanese studio ceramics. What is Mino Ware? Mino Ware is one of Japan’s most historically important ceramic traditions, originating in Gifu Prefecture. During the Momoyama period, Mino kilns produced some of the most celebrated tea ceramics in Japanese history, including Shino, Oribe, Setoguro, and Ki-Seto wares. Today, Mino remains one of Japan’s most innovative ceramic regions, where artists continue to reinterpret classical forms while preserving techniques that have influenced Japanese tea culture for over four centuries. What is Genkuro Kiln? Genkuro Kiln is a respected contemporary kiln associated with the Mino ceramic tradition. The kiln is particularly known for works inspired by Momoyama-period aesthetics, emphasizing expressive glaze surfaces, strong forms, and the dynamic interaction between clay and fire. The name "Genkuro" itself references one of the most celebrated historical Shino styles, reflecting the kiln’s commitment to preserving and advancing the artistic legacy of Mino ceramics. Who is Kato Ken? Kato Ken is a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist recognized for his work within the Mino pottery tradition. His creations often explore the expressive possibilities of Shino glazes and traditional firing methods while maintaining a distinctly modern artistic sensibility. Collectors appreciate Kato's work for its balance between historical reverence and individual interpretation, making his pieces attractive both to tea ceramic enthusiasts and modern ceramic art collectors. What is Aka-Shino? Aka-Shino, meaning "Red Shino," is a variation of traditional Shino ware characterized by the dramatic contrast between white feldspathic glaze and iron-rich red clay. Unlike conventional Shino ceramics that are often predominantly white, Aka-Shino intentionally reveals substantial areas of the underlying clay body. During firing, the exposed clay develops warm red, orange, and rust-colored tones that interact beautifully with the thick white glaze. This visual contrast creates a highly prized aesthetic associated with the wabi-sabi ideals of Japanese tea culture. Exceptional Aka-Shino works are particularly valued because the balance between glaze and exposed clay is largely determined by the unpredictable effects of the kiln. What is a Flower Vase (Hanaire)? A hanaire, or flower vase, occupies a central role in Japanese tea culture and ikebana traditions. Beyond its practical purpose, the vase serves as an independent artistic statement, often chosen to complement seasonal flowers and architectural space. Collectors frequently acquire fine hanaire not only for floral display but also as sculptural ceramic artworks capable of standing alone as focal points within a collection. What is a Tomobako? A tomobako is a custom-made wooden box personally inscribed by the artist. In the Japanese art world, it serves as an important certificate of authenticity and provenance. Works retaining their original tomobako, protective cloth, and biography documentation are significantly more desirable among serious collectors. ■ Expert’s Insight: This vase exemplifies why contemporary Aka-Shino remains one of the most sought-after expressions of modern Japanese ceramic art. The bold white glaze cascading over the iron-rich clay body recalls the great tea ceramics of the Momoyama era while presenting a distinctly contemporary sculptural presence. Particularly noteworthy is the quality of the glaze distribution. Rather than appearing decorative, the flowing white glaze interacts organically with the exposed red clay, creating a landscape-like surface rich in movement and visual tension. The result is a work that feels simultaneously ancient and modern. Collectors of Mino ceramics increasingly seek pieces accompanied by complete provenance materials, and the presence of the original signed box, biography document, and protective cloth significantly enhances both collectibility and long-term value. This is precisely the type of studio ceramic that appeals to European collectors seeking museum-quality Japanese pottery with strong historical roots and unmistakable artistic character. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This item is a handmade ceramic artwork and may show minor signs of age, storage wear, firing marks, kiln effects, glaze variation, or natural imperfections consistent with traditional Japanese pottery. These characteristics are not flaws but evidence of authenticity and the unique firing process that gives each work its individual character. ■ 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.