Item Description A newly created vase by Akihiro Nikaido (二階堂明宏,b.1977-), one of the most closely watched contemporary Japanese ceramic artists working today, from his signature and most advanced body of work, the "Gyoku-Kara" (玉殻) series. This piece is fresh from the artist's studio, made for his solo exhibition opening in Tokyo in September 2026, one of his most recent and important bodies of work to date. Nikaido is celebrated for a highly distinctive achievement in ceramics: creating solid, boldly sculptural forms that are, remarkably, extremely thin-walled and astonishingly lightweight for their appearance, a technical and aesthetic signature that has earned him devoted followers among leading chefs both in Japan and abroad. His pieces are made using the yakishime (unglazed, high-fired stoneware) technique with Mashiko clay, a fine slip applied to the thin, once-fired body, then carved back to reveal a rich, textured surface, the deep cratered black-and-grey surface seen on this vase being a hallmark result of this process. Nikaido has been exhibiting internationally in cities including New York, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, and his reputation and following in Europe have been growing rapidly and noticeably in recent years. This particular vase has a beautifully organic, rounded silhouette with a single small opening, its surface a striking landscape of dark, crater-like textures in black, grey, and warm ochre tones, every bit as much a sculptural object as it is a vessel. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a brand-new, top-tier work by an artist whose international profile is very much on the rise. Size Height: 12 cm Maximum body diameter: 9 cm Weight 250 g Condition Brand new, freshly made by the artist; no damage. Artist Profile Akihiro Nikaido 二階堂明弘 (b. 1977) Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in 1977, Akihiro Nikaido graduated from the Ceramics Department of Bunka Gakuin College of Art in 1999 and established his independent practice in Tochigi Prefecture in 2001; he is now based in Izu, Shizuoka. He is renowned for pushing the boundaries of the yakishime (unglazed stoneware) tradition, creating solid-looking, sculptural forms in Mashiko clay that are in fact remarkably thin-walled and light, a signature technical achievement that also defines his aesthetic. His working philosophy is rooted in the classical Japanese aesthetic concept of Yūgen (幽玄), an appreciation of a deeper, unseen reality beneath the surface of things, and he has spoken of seeking beauty that is close to the essence of the tradition rather than fleeting novelty. Nikaido has built a strong following among professional chefs in Japan and internationally, and has held exhibitions in major cities including New York, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, with his profile among European collectors and galleries growing rapidly in recent years. This vase represents his most recent and highest-tier body of work, the "Gyoku-Kara" series, created for his September 2026 solo exhibition in Tokyo. Notice 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 depending on the situation. Please note that we may use recycled cardboard boxes for outer packaging. It takes about 2–3 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. Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. For shipments with a declared value under €150, an additional customs processing fee of €3 may also apply. Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you can answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will be returned to us and it costs more than double the shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate your kind cooperation.