Item Description This exceptional flower vase (kabin) represents a masterful achievement in one of ceramics' most technically challenging glaze techniques: Yuteki Tenmoku (oil-spot temmoku). Created by Akira Kikuchi (菊池晃, 1935-), a fourth-generation master of one of Mashiko's oldest pottery families, this piece exemplifies the extraordinary skill required to produce this legendary glaze effect that has captivated collectors and tea ceremony practitioners for centuries. The vase displays a refined elongated ovoid form with elegant proportions, featuring a narrow neck that flares gently at the rim and a stable foot that provides both visual and physical balance. This classical silhouette serves as the perfect canvas for the magnificent glaze treatment that defines the piece. What makes this vase truly exceptional is its stunning Yuteki Tenmoku glaze—a technique so difficult to achieve that successful examples are celebrated as major accomplishments in ceramic art. The surface presents a deep, lustrous black base overlaid with an ethereal pattern of golden-silver spots that shimmer like oil droplets suspended in liquid, creating an almost cosmic effect. These distinctive spots, known as "oil spots," form spontaneously during high-temperature firing when iron-rich glaze undergoes complex chemical transformations in the kiln's oxidation-reduction atmosphere. The result is a surface of mesmerizing depth and complexity, where each viewing reveals new patterns and subtle variations in the iridescent spots. The artist's remarkable achievement lies in successfully producing this notoriously unpredictable glaze using Mashiko's traditional persimmon glaze (kaki-yu) as his base material. This innovation represents years of research and experimentation, combining traditional Mashiko ceramic techniques with advanced understanding of glaze chemistry developed during his studies at Musashi Institute of Technology. The interplay of light across the surface creates a dynamic visual experience, with the oil spots appearing to shift and glow depending on viewing angle and illumination—a quality that photographs can only partially capture. Yuteki Tenmoku has an illustrious history dating back to China's Song Dynasty, where it was prized by tea masters and scholars. When these rare treasures reached Japan, they were so highly valued that many were designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The technique was largely lost for centuries, making modern masters who successfully revive it particularly significant. Kikuchi's mastery of this demanding technique places him among an elite group of contemporary ceramicists capable of producing authentic oil-spot temmoku glazes. Artist Profile Born in 1935 as the fourth-generation heir to one of Mashiko's most historic kilns, Kikuchi Akira followed a unique path that combined academic rigor with traditional craftsmanship. After graduating from Musashi Institute of Technology, he continued ceramic research in the university's laboratories before returning to Mashiko to assume leadership of the family pottery. This combination of scientific training and generational knowledge enabled him to achieve technical breakthroughs, particularly his success in coaxing the oil-spot effect from Mashiko's distinctive local materials. Throughout his career, Kikuchi has been recognized with numerous honors, including selection for the prestigious Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, with his work chosen to represent Japanese ceramics in international exhibitions abroad. He has held fourteen solo exhibitions, including shows at Tokyo's renowned Ginza Matsuya department store, establishing himself as a leading voice in contemporary Japanese ceramics. His memberships in the Contemporary Craft Tokyo Association and his role as a committee member of the Japan Expressionism movement reflect his standing within the Japanese ceramic art community. This vase comes with its original wooden storage box (tomobako) inscribed "Yuteki Tenmoku-yu Kabin, Akira" (Oil-Spot Temmoku Glaze Flower Vase, Akira), along with a detailed biographical document detailing the artist's career achievements. The piece appears to be in pristine, unused condition, having been carefully preserved since its creation—a rarity for functional ceramic objects of this quality. For collectors of Japanese ceramics, this vase represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire an authenticated work by a master craftsman working in one of ceramics' most celebrated and technically demanding traditions. The combination of historical technique, contemporary innovation, and the artist's distinguished provenance makes this piece a significant addition to any serious collection of Japanese ceramic art. Size Height: 26.5 cm Width: 13.9 cm (body diameter) Depth: 13.9 cm (body diameter) outer rim diameter: 4.2 cm Inner rim diameter: 3.1 cm Base diameter: 7.0 cm Weight 1472 g Condition The vase is in pristine condition and appears to be unused, displaying the oil-spot temmoku glaze in its full glory without any chips, cracks, or wear. The surface retains its original luster and the complex interplay of black and golden tones remains vivid and well-preserved. NOITICE: The photos may show flowers, plants, pedestals, etc. as examples of decorations and interior design for illustrative purposes, but please note that these are not included in the product. The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL , FedEx or Japan Post depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. 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