■ 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 piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and protective cloth (tomonuno). These traditional accessories are highly valued in Japanese ceramics, serving as both provenance documentation and protection for the artwork. The vase is entirely handcrafted, and variations in glaze flow, firing effects, and painted decoration are natural characteristics that make each example unique. ■ Estimated Period: Late Shōwa to Heisei period (1975–2010) — a period during which historic Mino ceramic traditions experienced renewed international appreciation, with leading kilns preserving Momoyama-period aesthetics while adapting them for contemporary collectors. ■ Description: This elegant Oribe flower vase was produced by the renowned Kōbei Kiln of Mino Ware and retains its original signed wooden box and protective cloth. The vessel displays the distinctive deep green glaze and expressive brushwork that have made Oribe ceramics among the most celebrated achievements of Japanese pottery. What is Mino Ware? Mino Ware is one of Japan’s most historically significant ceramic traditions, produced in Gifu Prefecture for over 1,300 years. The region became especially important during the Momoyama period when revolutionary tea ceramics such as Oribe, Shino, and Setoguro emerged. Today, Mino Ware represents the largest ceramic-producing area in Japan and is admired for combining centuries of tradition with artistic innovation. Many of Japan's most influential tea wares originated in Mino, making it a cornerstone of Japanese ceramic history. What is Kōbei Kiln (Kōbei-gama)? Kōbei Kiln is one of the most respected family-operated kilns in the Mino region. The kiln traces its lineage through generations of ceramic artists dedicated to preserving the aesthetic traditions of Mino pottery. Kōbei works are particularly appreciated for their mastery of traditional glaze techniques, sophisticated forms, and faithful continuation of historic Japanese tea-ceremony ceramics. Pieces bearing the Kōbei name are collected both in Japan and internationally for their strong connection to classical Mino craftsmanship. What is an Oribe Flower Vase? Oribe ware is named after the influential tea master Furuta Oribe (1544–1615), whose innovative aesthetic transformed Japanese ceramic design. Oribe ceramics are characterized by vivid copper-green glazes, asymmetrical compositions, bold brushwork, and a spirit of artistic freedom rarely seen in earlier Japanese pottery. An Oribe flower vase combines these celebrated decorative qualities with the practical function of displaying seasonal flowers. In Japanese aesthetics, the flower vase is not merely a container but an essential element in creating harmony between nature, space, and artistic expression. Artistic Features of This Piece This vase exhibits a beautiful contrast between its rich flowing green glaze and softer feldspathic surfaces. The hand-painted motifs and carefully balanced proportions reflect the aesthetic ideals associated with classical Oribe pottery. The elongated neck and faceted body create a striking silhouette that displays beautifully whether used for flower arrangement or as a standalone decorative object. Original Signed Wooden Box and Protective Cloth The accompanying tomobako and tomonuno significantly enhance the collectability of the piece. In Japanese ceramic culture, the original signed box functions as an important record of authorship and provenance, while the protective cloth demonstrates the traditional care with which the artwork has been preserved. ■ Expert’s Insight: Among the many styles of Mino Ware, Oribe remains one of the most internationally recognized and sought-after. Its bold green glaze and spontaneous artistic character represented a dramatic departure from earlier ceramic conventions and continue to appeal strongly to modern collectors. Works from established kilns such as Kōbei-gama are particularly desirable because they maintain direct links to the traditions that shaped Japanese tea culture. This vase embodies the balance between historical authenticity and decorative sophistication that collectors of Japanese art pottery actively seek. The inclusion of both the original signed wooden box and protective cloth further strengthens its appeal as a complete collector’s piece. ■ Antique/Vintage Notice: This is a handmade ceramic artwork. Minor firing irregularities, glaze variations, kiln effects, and age-related signs of storage are normal characteristics of authentic Japanese pottery and should not be regarded as defects. Such features contribute to the individuality and authenticity of the piece. ■ 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. Shipping methods are selected based on the item's size, value, destination, and insurance requirements. Requests for specific shipping carriers cannot be accommodated. Recently, incidents of damage during shipping have increased. I take great care in packing each item to prevent this, which may result in higher shipping costs. Please understand this is necessary to protect both the buyer and seller. Thank you for your understanding and kindness.