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

Maker / Brand: Nakamura Shigeto / Kutani-yaki Title of Work: Nitten Artist Kutani-yaki Vase with Bird Design Masterpiece, with Kiri Box

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.

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.

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.

Form & Aesthetic Qualities * Elegant Silhouette: The vase presents a graceful form with a slender neck gently flaring at the mouth, leading to a beautifully rounded, bulbous body. * Lustrous Glaze: The smooth, vibrant blue-green glaze offers a striking visual depth, inviting the eye to explore its subtle variations. * Dynamic Imagery: The bird design is artfully integrated into the vase's form, creating a harmonious balance between the vessel's shape and its decorative elements.

Collector & Decorative Appeal * Distinguished Provenance: 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. * Master Craftsmanship: 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. * Timeless Elegance: 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.

This exceptional vase is an ideal acquisition for collectors of fine Japanese ceramics and those who appreciate the enduring beauty of traditional craftsmanship.

Details

Condition	Good
Origin	Kutani, Ishikawa
Material	Ceramic
Era	Unknown
Dimensions	高さ21cm / 幅12cm / 口径3.7cm / サイズ　高さ21cm幅12cm口径3.7cm