Kutani Ware Polychrome Glaze Vase by Nitten Artist Nakamura Masahiko, Godai Shutō with Original Box

<p>Maker / Brand: Kutani-yaki, 5th Generation Nakamura Shutou (Nakamura Masahiko) Title of Work: Nitten Exhibition Artist, Kutani Ware Master Craftsman, 5th Generation Nakamura Shutou (Nakamura Masahiko), Colored Glaze Flower Vase, with Original Box and Cloth</p> <p>Discover this exquisite Kutani ware flower vase, a masterpiece by the renowned 5th Generation Nakamura Shutou, also known as Nakamura Masahiko. This unused piece showcases a stunning blue and yellow gradient glaze, reflecting the artist's mastery of traditional techniques. It comes complete with its original wooden box (tomobako), protective cloth (tomobako), and the artist's biography (tourekisho).</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Kutani ware, or Kutani-yaki, originates from Ishikawa Prefecture and is celebrated for its vibrant, overglaze enamel decorations. With a history spanning centuries, Kutani ware has evolved through various styles, from the bold "Ko-Kutani" to the detailed "Aode" and "Iroe." This piece, crafted by a Nitten Exhibition artist, continues this rich tradition, embodying the refined aesthetic sought after in Japanese ceramics.</p> <p>Design & Technique This vase features a striking "saiyu" (colored glaze) technique, creating a seamless and beautiful gradation from a deep blue at the rim to a warm yellow at the base. The artist, Nakamura Masahiko, studied under the esteemed Nitten Councilor Nakamura Suihou, inheriting and refining a profound understanding of glaze application and ceramic artistry. The porcelain body provides a smooth canvas, allowing the vibrant colors to truly shine.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Elegant Silhouette:</strong> Its graceful, tapering form with a narrow mouth and gently swelling body offers a classic and refined presence, ideal for displaying a single bloom or small arrangement. * <strong>Vibrant Gradient:</strong> The striking transition from serene blue to cheerful yellow creates a dynamic visual appeal, evoking images of sky meeting earth or sunrise over water. * <strong>Smooth Porcelain:</strong> Crafted from fine porcelain, the vase possesses a delicate yet sturdy quality, with a subtle sheen that enhances the depth of the colored glazes.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Master Craftsman's Work:</strong> This piece is a example to the skill of a Nitten Exhibition artist and a master of Kutani ware, making it a significant addition for collectors of Japanese ceramics. * <strong>Versatile Display:</strong> While primarily a flower vase (hanaire or ichirinzashi), its elegant form and exquisite glazing also make it suitable as a decorative art object or even a tea utensil (chadogu) in a contemporary setting. * <strong>Investment in Art:</strong> As an unused item from a distinguished lineage of artists, this vase represents not just beauty but also a valuable piece of Japanese cultural heritage.</p> <p>This exceptional vase is perfect for knowledgeable collectors and those who appreciate the profound beauty and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese art.</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">Excellent</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">Porcelain</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Era</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Edo</td></tr></table>