Item Description A magnificent gold-decorated flower vase by Yamato Tsutomu (born 1965), created at the prestigious Yasuo Kiln (Yasuogama). Tsutomu is the second son of Yamato Yasuo, a designated holder of Yamaguchi Prefecture's Intangible Cultural Property for Hagi-yaki pottery. This elegant vessel showcases the refined aesthetic of contemporary Yamaguchi Hagi-yaki, featuring luminous gold accents that beautifully complement the natural clay tones characteristic of this centuries-old tradition. The piece embodies the artistic lineage of the Yamato family, which traces its roots to Yamato Sakutaro (Shorokugama), who established the Shouroku Kiln in Yamaguchi City in 1892, bringing Hagi pottery techniques from Hagi to Yamaguchi. Yamato Tsutomu, following in this distinguished tradition, trained extensively under his father and earned recognition through multiple selections in prestigious exhibitions including the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and various regional ceramic exhibitions. This flower vase demonstrates the sophisticated glazing techniques passed down through generations at Yasuogama, where traditional Hagi-yaki principles meet contemporary artistic expression. The gold decoration adds a distinctive elegance while maintaining harmony with the soft, warm clay body typical of Hagi ware. The piece comes with its original wooden box, bearing the artist's signature and seal, confirming its authenticity and provenance. An exceptional example of modern Hagi pottery craftsmanship, this vase serves both as a functional vessel for ikebana arrangements and as a striking decorative art object that would enhance any collection of Japanese ceramics. Size Height: 33 cm Width: 12.5 cm Depth: 13.5 cm Weight 2205 g / 2.205 kg Condition The vase itself is in excellent condition with no signs of use, showing no chips, cracks, or damage. The wooden storage box shows minor age-related discoloration, staining, and wear consistent with storage, but remains structurally sound and fully functional for protection. Artist Profile Yamato Tsutomu (born 1965) is a distinguished contemporary Hagi-yaki ceramic artist and the second son of Yamato Yasuo, who was designated as a holder of Yamaguchi Prefecture's Intangible Cultural Property for Hagi pottery in 1988. Born into the renowned Yasuogama kiln family, Tsutomu represents the fourth generation of Yamato potters since his great-grandfather Yamato Sakutaro established the Shouroku Kiln in Yamaguchi City in 1892. After returning home from his university studies in 1985, Tsutomu dedicated himself to ceramic arts and graduated from Yamaguchi Art Junior College Department of Living Arts in 1988. His career has been marked by consistent recognition in major exhibitions: he achieved his first selection in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1989, with the same institution purchasing his "Hagi White Glazed Bowl" that year. Throughout the 1990s, he earned numerous accolades including first and second place awards at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition, the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, and became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1993. His works have been acquired by prestigious institutions including the Yokohama Sogo Museum of Art and the British Museum. Tsutomu's artistic philosophy reflects a deep engagement with the materiality of clay and the spiritual dimensions of pottery-making. He continues the Yasuogama tradition of working with traditional Hagi clay while bringing contemporary sensibilities to his forms and surface treatments, including his distinctive use of gold decoration. 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.