Item Description This striking porcelain vase, titled "Chokuhotai" (直方態), is the work of Nagae Shigekazu 長江重和 (born 1953), a leading contemporary Japanese ceramicist renowned internationally for his innovative slip-cast (ikomi) porcelain forms. The vase takes an angular, twisting rectangular silhouette that appears almost architectural in profile, yet reveals a soft, undulating opening at the mouth that curves gracefully like drapery caught mid-motion. The exterior surface is decorated with a fine, mechanically printed geometric pattern in black and grey tones, layered over the porcelain body, while the interior and rim are finished in a smooth, pale glaze. This interplay between rigid outer form and fluid inner curve is characteristic of Nagae's signature technique, in which thin porcelain walls are fused and distended under intense heat during firing. The piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako), supporting its authenticity as a genuine work by the artist. A small piece of cushioning material remains attached to the base, as originally supplied. Size Height: 35.5 cm Width: 23 cm Depth: 22 cm Condition The vase presents in excellent condition overall, with no notable chips, cracks, or repairs observed. Please refer to the accompanying photographs for a full visual assessment of the surface and form. Additional Information Artist: Nagae Shigekazu (長江重和), born 1953, based in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan Medium: Porcelain (slip-cast, ikomi technique), printed surface decoration Title of work: "Chokuhotai" (直方態) Provenance: Comes with the artist's original signed wooden box (tomobako) Nagae Shigekazu is internationally recognised for his contribution to porcelain casting and firing techniques. He graduated from the Seto Industrial School of Ceramics in 1974 and has received numerous major awards, including the Grand Prize at the Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition (1979, 1986), the Grand Prix at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition (1992), and the Grand Prize and Imperial Trophy at the Japan Ceramic Exhibition (1997). His work is held in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), LACMA, the National Gallery of Australia, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, among others. He has been a member of the International Academy of Ceramics since 2002. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 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 me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.