Nitten Artist's Kutani-yaki Vase, Masterpiece Bird Design, with Paulownia Box

<p>Maker / Brand: Nakamura Shigeto / Kutani-yaki Title of Work: Nitten Artist Kutani-yaki Vase with Bird Design Masterpiece, with Kiri Box</p> <p>This exquisite Kutani-yaki vase, crafted by the esteemed Nitten artist Nakamura Shigeto, showcases a striking bird design against a stunning blue-green glaze. Acquired in 1988 and kept in remarkable condition, this ceramic masterpiece comes complete with its original kiri wood box and descriptive document, making it a truly special acquisition.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Kutani-yaki is a renowned style of Japanese porcelain originating from Ishikawa Prefecture, celebrated for its vibrant overglaze enamels and detailed designs. Nakamura Shigeto, a distinguished member of the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and a certified Traditional Craftsman, honed his skills under the tutelage of the revered master Asakura Gojūkichi. This lineage speaks to the profound artistic heritage and technical excellence embodied in his work.</p> <p>Design & Technique The vase features a mesmerizing blue-green glaze that forms a rich, deep background for the dynamic bird motif. The bird is rendered with expressive brushwork and a subtle palette, creating a sense of movement and life. This piece exemplifies the refined ceramic artistry and decorative painting for which Kutani-yaki is celebrated, showcasing the artist's mastery of both form and surface decoration.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Elegant Silhouette:</strong> The vase presents a graceful form with a slender neck gently flaring at the mouth, leading to a beautifully rounded, bulbous body. * <strong>Lustrous Glaze:</strong> The smooth, vibrant blue-green glaze offers a striking visual depth, inviting the eye to explore its subtle variations. * <strong>Dynamic Imagery:</strong> The bird design is artfully integrated into the vase's form, creating a harmonious balance between the vessel's shape and its decorative elements.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Distinguished Provenance:</strong> This piece was purchased in 1988 from a reputable department store in Kanazawa and has been carefully preserved, having been displayed only a few times. * <strong>Master Craftsmanship:</strong> Created by Nakamura Shigeto, a Nitten artist and Traditional Craftsman, this vase represents a high caliber of Japanese ceramic art, enhanced by his mentorship under Asakura Gojūkichi. * <strong>Timeless Elegance:</strong> Perfect for displaying a single bloom or as a standalone decorative object, it brings a touch of refined Japanese artistry to any setting, from a traditional tokonoma to a contemporary interior.</p> <p>This exceptional vase is an ideal acquisition for collectors of fine Japanese ceramics and those who appreciate the enduring beauty of traditional craftsmanship.</p> <h3>Details</h3> <table style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100%"><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Condition</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Good</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Origin</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Kutani, Ishikawa</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Material</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Ceramic</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Era</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Unknown</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Dimensions</td><td style="padding:4px 0">高さ21cm / 幅12cm / 口径3.7cm / サイズ　高さ21cm幅12cm口径3.7cm</td></tr></table>