■ Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. ■ Authenticity & Handcrafted Nature: This vase is a genuine handcrafted work by Mitsuoki Tsuneoka, an artist recognized as a member of the Japan Kōgei Association. The vivid cinnabar-red glaze, flowing drip effects, and subtle variations in color were created through traditional kiln firing techniques, making every piece completely unique. No two examples can ever be identical due to the unpredictable interaction between glaze, flame, and clay. ■ Estimated Period: Late 20th century to early 21st century (1980–2010) — a period when contemporary Japanese ceramic artists actively combined traditional regional kiln techniques with highly experimental glaze effects to create works appreciated both as functional vessels and sculptural art objects. ■ Description: This striking vase by Mitsuoki Tsuneoka showcases a dramatic cinnabar-red glaze with flowing white and purple tones cascading naturally across the rounded body. The elegant pear-shaped silhouette, narrow neck, and richly layered surface give the piece a strong sculptural presence, making it suitable both as a flower vase and as a standalone decorative artwork. Iga Ware is one of Japan’s most respected historic ceramic traditions, originating in Mie Prefecture. It is especially admired for its rugged clay body, natural ash effects, and organic forms created by high-temperature firing. While classical Iga Ware is often rustic and earthy, contemporary artists have expanded the tradition by introducing sophisticated glaze techniques and more sculptural expressions. Mitsuoki Tsuneoka is a respected Japanese ceramic artist and a member of the Japan Kōgei Association, an important organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Japanese crafts. Membership in the association is considered a mark of artistic excellence and technical achievement, as artists are selected based on their contribution to the field of contemporary craft. The term “cinnabar glaze” refers to a copper-based red glaze known in Japanese ceramics as shinsha. This type of glaze is highly prized because it is extremely difficult to control during firing. Depending on temperature, atmosphere, and kiln conditions, the glaze can develop subtle transitions of deep crimson, purple, lavender, or soft white. Because of this unpredictability, successful cinnabar-glazed works are often regarded as some of the most technically demanding pieces in Japanese ceramics. The term “drip glaze” refers to glaze intentionally allowed to flow and gather during firing. In this vase, the glaze runs naturally down the body, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity. These flowing patterns resemble streams of molten color and emphasize the vessel’s handcrafted character. The combination of cinnabar glaze and drip-glaze technique gives the piece an especially dynamic and luxurious appearance. The rounded body and elegant neck create a beautiful balance between softness and strength. The glossy surface captures light differently from every angle, revealing layers of red, violet, and white that shift depending on the viewing position. As a result, this vase has strong visual impact whether displayed alone or used with flowers. ■ Expert’s Insight: Collectors highly value successful cinnabar-glazed works because the glaze is notoriously difficult to produce consistently. The vibrant red color, combined with the flowing drip effect, gives this vase a powerful visual presence rarely achieved in studio pottery. Works by artists affiliated with the Japan Kōgei Association are especially sought after because they represent a fusion of technical mastery, artistic originality, and traditional Japanese ceramic culture. This vase is not only a functional vessel but also an impressive art object that highlights the dramatic beauty of modern Japanese ceramic firing techniques. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This item is a handcrafted ceramic work and may show minor irregularities, kiln effects, glaze variations, pinholes, or small imperfections inherent to the firing process. These characteristics are not flaws but important signs of authenticity and traditional craftsmanship. ■Shipping & Handling: We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.