■ 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 vase bears the official Kutani Ware registered trademark seal on its base, providing strong evidence of authenticity and confirming its production within the recognized Kutani ceramic tradition. Each work is individually handcrafted and kiln-fired, resulting in subtle variations in color, texture, and silver effects that make every piece unique. ■ Estimated Period: Late 20th Century–Early 21st Century CE. During this period, Kutani artists further developed modern decorative techniques such as Yūri-Ginsai, combining traditional porcelain craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression and innovative metallic effects. ■ Description: Object: Yūri-Ginsai Spherical Vase Artist: Kutani Sōshū Authenticity: The base retains the official Kutani Ware registered trademark label, confirming the work's authenticity and association with the Kutani ceramic tradition. About Kutani Ware: Kutani Ware is one of Japan's most celebrated porcelain traditions, originating in present-day Ishikawa Prefecture during the 17th century. Renowned for its exceptional overglaze enamels, vibrant colors, and sophisticated decorative techniques, Kutani Ware has long been admired both in Japan and internationally. From classical polychrome masterpieces to contemporary artistic innovations, Kutani remains one of the most respected names in Japanese ceramics. About Kutani Sōshū: Kutani Sōshū is a Kutani artist recognized for creating refined porcelain works that emphasize elegant form, subtle color transitions, and advanced decorative techniques. His works often showcase the harmony between traditional Kutani craftsmanship and modern artistic aesthetics. Collectors appreciate his ability to transform porcelain surfaces into atmospheric landscapes of color and light. About Yūri-Ginsai (Silver-Underglaze Decoration): Yūri-Ginsai is one of the most technically demanding decorative methods in modern Japanese porcelain. The process involves applying silver foil or silver compounds beneath a transparent glaze, then firing the piece to create shimmering metallic effects beneath the glass-like surface. Unlike surface gilding, the silver becomes integrated into the glaze layer itself, producing remarkable depth, luminosity, and durability. The technique is especially admired because the final appearance is influenced by kiln conditions, making each piece unique. Design and Artistic Features: This vase beautifully demonstrates the visual poetry of Yūri-Ginsai. Delicate silver patterns appear suspended beneath the glaze, creating a sense of depth and movement across the rounded form. The elegant spherical silhouette serves as an ideal canvas for the decoration, allowing light to interact with the silver-infused surface from every angle. Most striking is the extraordinary blue gradient that transitions from pale icy tones near the shoulder to deeper azure and turquoise hues toward the base. Against this atmospheric background, the silver decoration glows softly beneath the glaze, creating an effect reminiscent of moonlight reflected across water or drifting clouds illuminated by twilight. The combination of luminous silver and sophisticated blue coloration results in a work of exceptional elegance and contemporary appeal. Collector Appeal: Yūri-Ginsai works are among the most sought-after categories of modern Kutani porcelain due to the technical complexity of their production and their distinctive visual impact. Examples featuring strong silver effects, harmonious color gradations, and documented authenticity through the official Kutani trademark are particularly desirable among collectors of contemporary Japanese ceramics. ■ Expert’s Insight: This vase exemplifies the artistic direction that has made modern Kutani Ware highly collectible worldwide. While traditional Kutani is often associated with richly colored overglaze painting, artists such as Kutani Sōshū have expanded the tradition through innovative techniques like Yūri-Ginsai. The exceptional blue gradient displayed here creates a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere, while the silver decoration introduces depth and luminosity rarely achieved in porcelain. The result is a sophisticated collector's piece that successfully bridges centuries-old Kutani craftsmanship with contemporary ceramic artistry. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This is a handcrafted ceramic artwork. Minor firing irregularities, glaze variations, kiln effects, and subtle imperfections are natural characteristics of authentic Japanese pottery and porcelain. Such features should be regarded as evidence of handcraftsmanship rather than defects. ■ 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.