Artist: Takashi Kitamura (b. 1946) — Kutani ware, Government-certified Master of Traditional Crafts (Dento Kogeishi) Title: Kutani Small Jar / Single-Flower Vase (Ko-tsubo) — Rustic Wood-Fired Body with Bold Gold Kinsai Decoration, with Original Signed Box This is a small Kutani ware vase (ko-tsubo / single-flower vase) by the acclaimed Japanese ceramic artist Takashi Kitamura of the Chikuryu kiln. Against a beautifully rustic, iron-brown fired clay body, bold passages of gold (kinsai) are applied like flowing panels of light, creating a striking contrast between earthy texture and radiant gold. It is signed by the artist and comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako). About the Artist — Takashi Kitamura Born in Ishikawa in 1946, Takashi Kitamura is one of the leading names in Kutani ware and a government-certified Master of Traditional Crafts (Dento Kogeishi), as well as a member of the Nitten and the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association. First selected for the prestigious Nitten exhibition in 1973 and many times thereafter, he received the Nitten Special Prize in 1995 and presented work to a member of the Imperial family in 1996. In 2009 he was awarded the Higashikuni-no-miya Cultural Award for his lifelong creative achievement. Famous above all for his gold-decorated "kitamaebune" (northern trading ship) plates, his work is celebrated internationally and held in collections including museums in Nice, France, and the British Library — making him a genuinely world-recognized master of Kutani gold decoration. The Gold Decoration (Kinsai) Kinsai — the art of applying gold to ceramics — is Kitamura's signature. Here the gold is used with great confidence: broad, sweeping areas of brilliant gold are set directly against the raw, textured clay, so that the precious metal seems to pour across the surface and catch the light from every angle. Rather than covering the piece in ornament, the design lets the honest earthiness of the fired clay and the luxury of the gold speak to one another — a sophisticated, contemporary expression of a traditional technique. About Kutani Ware Kutani ware is one of Japan's most famous ceramic traditions, known internationally as "Japan Kutani" and prized worldwide for its bold decoration and, in particular, its lavish use of gold. It has been admired by collectors in Europe and North America since the 19th century. Form & Appeal The rounded, egg-like form sits beautifully in the hand and makes an ideal single-flower vase (ichirin-zashi) for a single seasonal stem, while also standing on its own as a refined decorative object for a tokonoma alcove, shelf, or living space. Compact yet full of presence, it is an excellent way to own a signed, boxed work by a celebrated Kutani master, and makes a distinguished gift. Condition In wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scratches, or damage. A beautiful piece. Please review all photos, which form part of the description. Presentation Complete with its original signed tomobako, which confirms authenticity and adds to the collectible value of this artist's work. Shipping from Japan with tracking number and insurance. Fast dispatch via FedEx or DHL. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges and are the buyer's responsibility. These are normally collected by the delivering carrier or on pickup — please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.