About Issen The signature Issen on this vase indicates the individual maker responsible for its decoration and design. In Japanese ceramic tradition, signed pieces by a named maker — especially when paired with a tomobako — help authenticate the work and identify it as a crafted piece rather than mass-produced ware. Contemporary Kutani artists often develop their own brushwork and stylistic interpretations rooted in tradition, and Issei is such a maker whose work carries both artistic identity and cultural resonance. Meaning of “Kinzan Chabana” The name “Kinzan Chabana” suggests a theme inspired by tea-flower arrangement (chabana) with gold (kin) accents — chabana being a simple and natural style of floral display used in the Japanese tea ceremony. This combination of floral imagery with gold ornamentation reflects both refined decorative surface work and cultural symbolism often associated with Kutani vase designs. Artistic and Decorative Qualities • Expressive floral motif: The painted blossoms and foliage bring vibrant, elegant energy to the vase’s surface. • Gold accents: Gold detailing enhances the visual richness and elevates the decorative impact. • Traditional form: The balanced silhouette is well suited for both floral presentation (hanaire) and stand-alone display. The combination of traditional Kutani techniques, the maker’s signature, and the included wooden box makes this vase appealing to collectors of Japanese ceramics, interior decorators, and anyone who appreciates fine craft rooted in centuries-old tradition. About Kutani Ware Kutani ware (Kutani-yaki) is one of Japan’s most esteemed traditional porcelain styles, originating in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture during the early Edo period. It is particularly known for its vivid overglaze enamel decoration and bold color palette, often featuring rich green, blue, red, yellow, and purple hues. Kutani ware’s decorative technique involves applying pigments over the glazed surface and firing again at lower temperatures, resulting in deep, luminous colors and expressive motifs that frequently depict flowers, birds, landscapes, or symbolic patterns. Tōsen Kiln’s output is part of a long heritage of Kyō ware / Kiyomizu ceramics, which has been nurtured in Kyoto for centuries. These ceramics are not limited to a single style but encompass many traditions of form, decoration, and firing technique that have developed in and around Kyoto’s historic pottery districts. Because Tōsen Kiln pieces are hand-made and often use traditional motifs and glazing techniques, works bearing the “Tōsen-zō” mark are appreciated for their craftsmanship, cultural connection, and aesthetic quality, whether used as functional tableware or decorative art. Shipping from Japan with Tracking Number & Insurance. I promise fast shipping via FedEx or DHL as soon as possible! Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.