Item Description: This is an exceptional stoneware flower vase (sekkihanaire) by Mihara Ken 三原研 Mihara Ken (1958-), a distinguished contemporary ceramic artist from Shimane Prefecture. The piece showcases Mihara's signature yakishime (unglazed, high-fired) technique combined with his unique three-firing process that creates stunning natural color variations reminiscent of ancient Sue ware. Mihara Ken studied under Funaki Kenji, himself a disciple of the legendary Bernard Leach, from 1981 to 1983. He established his studio in his native Izumo and later moved to Shinjimachi, Matsue City, where he continues to create works that bridge ancient Japanese ceramic traditions with contemporary aesthetics. This vase, standing at 26 cm tall, exemplifies Mihara's mastery of the coil-building technique and his distinctive approach to firing. The surface displays the characteristic bluish-gray tones with white ash effects that result from his special three-firing method, creating a texture and palette that evokes ancient bronze artifacts and Sue dynasty pottery. The simple yet powerfully modern form demonstrates Mihara's philosophy of allowing the clay's inherent qualities to express themselves through minimal intervention. Mihara's works have gained international recognition, with solo exhibitions consistently selling out overseas. He has received numerous prestigious awards including the Grand Prize at the Tanabe Art Museum Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition (2001), Energia Art Award (2002), and Semi-Grand Prize at the Paramita Ceramic Art Award (2006). His works have been featured in major exhibitions worldwide, including TEFAF Maastricht and exhibitions at the Gifu Museum of Modern Ceramic Art. This piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and represents an excellent example of Mihara's refined aesthetic and technical mastery. Size Height: 26.5 cm Width: 10 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition The vase shows minor wear at the rim opening as noted. Overall in good condition with the characteristic natural surface variations and colors well preserved. Artist Profile Mihara Ken (born 1958, Shimane Prefecture) is one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary ceramic artists specializing in yakishime (unglazed high-fired stoneware). He discovered pottery during his university years while studying civil engineering, and was so captivated by the medium that he left university to apprentice under Funaki Kenji, a disciple of Bernard Leach, from 1981 to 1983. Mihara established his studio in his native Izumo and later relocated to Shinjimachi in Matsue City, where he works surrounded by the rich natural landscape of the Izumo region. His distinctive technique involves coil-building methods and a unique triple-firing process without glazes, resulting in works with natural color variations that evoke ancient Sue ware pottery and bronze artifacts. His career achievements include the Grand Prize at the Tanabe Art Museum Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition (2001), the Energia Art Award (2002), and Semi-Grand Prize at the Paramita Ceramic Art Award (2006). He has been invited to exhibit at prestigious venues including the Tomio Koyama Gallery's Chisato Museum and featured in major museum collections. Mihara's works are characterized by their modern, angular forms and the distinctive bluish-gray surfaces with white ash effects that result from his firing technique. His artistic philosophy emphasizes allowing the clay's natural properties to manifest through the firing process, creating pieces that are both contemporary in form and deeply rooted in ancient Japanese ceramic traditions. 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.