Item Description: 三原研 Mihara Ken (1958-) Stoneware Flower Vessel This exceptional stoneware flower vessel exemplifies the mastery of Ken Mihara, one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary ceramic artists. Crafted using his distinctive stoneware technique, this piece showcases the remarkable textural qualities and commanding presence that have made Mihara's work highly sought after by museums and collectors worldwide. Born in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, Mihara draws deep inspiration from the ancient mythological landscape of his homeland. Using iron-rich clay from his native region and employing multiple high-temperature firings, he creates surfaces that evoke the weathered beauty of ancient stone and bronze vessels. The unglazed surface reveals subtle gradations of color, from deep grays to soft earth tones, achieved through the natural interaction of ash and flame during the firing process. This vessel demonstrates Mihara's architectural approach to form-building, with clean, confident lines and a powerful sculptural presence. The piece embodies a meditative quality that bridges ancient Japanese craft traditions with contemporary ceramic art. The hand-built construction reflects painstaking attention to detail and reveals the artist's profound dialogue with his materials. Mihara's works are held in over 40 prestigious institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Victoria & Albert Museum, Berlin National Museum of Asian Art, and Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art. His international exhibitions have firmly established his reputation on the global stage. This vessel comes with its original signed wooden box, providing authentication and adding to its collector value. It represents an important example of contemporary Japanese ceramic art at its finest. I added the final images to show previous hammer prices from other auctions as a reference. Size Height: 22.5 cm Width: 12.5 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage or repairs. The surface shows the intentional textural variations characteristic of Mihara's stoneware technique. Artist Profile Ken Mihara (born 1958 in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture) is one of Japan's most internationally recognized contemporary ceramic artists. After studying under Kenji Funaki from 1981, Mihara developed his distinctive stoneware technique that has earned him numerous prestigious awards including the Japan Ceramic Society Award and the Paramita Ceramics Grand Prize. His work has been featured in major exhibitions and is held in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Victoria & Albert Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and many other leading institutions worldwide. Mihara's pieces are characterized by their architectural forms, subtle surface textures achieved through multiple firings, and his use of iron-rich clay from Shimane Prefecture. Drawing inspiration from ancient bronze vessels, lacquerware, and traditional Japanese craft, his sculptures maintain a powerful yet meditative presence. 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.