Two pale forms joined by organic branches, their curves unfolding quietly like a gesture held in stillness. Description: This white porcelain sculpture consists of two interlocking elements united by textured, branch-like connections. The larger form features a smooth, elongated body with a gentle upward curve, while the smaller element is a rounded, shell-like vessel with a subtle interior well. The naturalistic connecting branches introduce an organic quality to the otherwise refined ceramic surfaces, creating a unified sculptural composition. The surfaces are covered in a soft, matte white glaze that reveals traces of firing variations, including subtle ochre and pale grey markings on the connecting elements. The glaze has a delicate, slightly uneven texture that catches light gently across the curved planes. The forms suggest a balance between sculptural abstraction and organic naturalism, with the concave interior spaces and flowing contours creating a sense of quiet movement. The undersides are left unglazed, revealing the pale clay body and bearing carved characters near the junction of the forms. The bases are smoothly finished with minimal foot rings, allowing the piece to rest stably while maintaining its sculptural lightness. Cultural & Art Context: White porcelain has long held significance in Japanese ceramics, valued for its purity and understated presence. Contemporary Japanese ceramic artists continue to explore the expressive possibilities of porcelain, often combining traditional techniques with organic, sculptural forms. Works that emphasize natural, hand-shaped elements reflect a broader postwar interest in tactile, expressive ceramics that balance artistic intention with material responsiveness. Collector Appeal: Sculptural porcelain works of this kind are appreciated for their blend of abstraction and organic form, offering collectors an opportunity to engage with contemporary Japanese ceramic art that bridges functional and sculptural traditions. Dimensions: Diameter: 12.2 cm Height: 3.5 cm Weight: 172 g Condition: Natural firing color variations visible on the branch-like connecting elements. Artist Profile: Kyoko Hori is a Japanese ceramic artist active from the late 20th century onward. Her work is characterized by a consistent focus on white porcelain forms, often created using a blend of porcelain and Shigaraki clay. Hori's pieces frequently explore organic, proliferating forms that suggest living, growing structures. She works exclusively in white, creating sculptural ceramics that emphasize tactile surface and naturalistic movement. Hori's work gained significant recognition in the early 1990s. In 1991, she received the Grand Prix at the Asahi Contemporary Craft Exhibition and the Excellence Award at the Fletcher Challenge International Ceramic Exhibition in New Zealand, followed by another Excellence Award at the same New Zealand competition in 1993. She was awarded the Bronze Prize at the International Ceramics Competition Mino in 1995, and the Jury Special Prize at the same competition in 1998. In 2001, she received the Kyoto City Newcomer Artist Award, affirming her contribution to the Kyoto ceramic arts community. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.