Item Description: 鯉江良二 Koie Ryoji（1938–2020） This striking stoneware flower vase is a masterwork of Japanese avant-garde ceramics, created by one of Japan's most celebrated and internationally recognized ceramic artists, Koie Ryoji. Born in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture — a city renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition — Koie forged his own radical path that transcended the boundaries between traditional craft and contemporary art. The vase features a dramatically elongated neck with a wide flared trumpet mouth, rising from a rounded bulbous body set on a compact foot ring. The surface glazing is a testament to Koie's mastery of kiln fire: the neck and upper body are enveloped in a rich celadon-toned glaze with a deeply textured, bubble-like surface reminiscent of coral or sea foam, while the lower body transitions to a mottled white-grey ash glaze with areas of warm terracotta clay showing through, the natural result of wood-firing. A distinctive horizontal joint marks where the neck meets the body, a deliberate structural element characteristic of Koie's technique. The unglazed foot ring reveals the iron-rich red stoneware clay body. The vase possesses an organic, almost geological beauty — as though shaped not only by the potter's hands but by the elemental forces of earth and fire. It would make a stunning display piece in any interior, equally at home in a contemporary gallery setting or a refined traditional space. Size Height: 27 cm Width: 8.5 cm Depth: 8.5 cm Weight: 986 g Condition There is a firing crack at the junction between the neck and body, which appears to have occurred during the kiln firing process and is consistent with the artist's wood-firing technique; there are no post-firing chips, breaks, or repairs. Artist Profile Koie Ryoji (1938–2020) was born in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, a region celebrated for its ancient ceramic heritage. After graduating from Tokoname Ceramics High School and working in the tile manufacturing industry, he entered the Tokoname Municipal Ceramic Research Institute in 1962, where he honed his craft before establishing his own kiln in 1966. Deeply influenced by avant-garde ceramic pioneer Yagi Kazuo, Koie broke free from conventional ceramic norms and developed a bold, expressive style that bridged traditional Japanese ceramics and contemporary art. He gained international recognition winning major prizes at prestigious international ceramics exhibitions, and his work was included in notable exhibitions at leading art institutions worldwide. A professor at Aichi University of the Arts from 1992 to 2004, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award (1993), the Oribe Prize (2001), and the Japan Ceramic Society Gold Prize (2008). His socially engaged works, including series addressing anti-nuclear themes and the relationship between humans and the earth, brought global attention to his deeply humanistic artistic vision. He passed away in August 2020 at the age of 82. 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.