25338 KITAMURA Takashi (Kutani ware vase)

Height 31.0 cm

Diameter 17.4cm

This is a classy piece of "Kutani ware," one of Japan's leading wares. It is a gorgeous, precious and beautiful piece of work with high artistic value by Kitamura Takashi of Kutani Taketaka Kiln, a popular traditional Kutani ware craftsman and member of the Nitten Exhibition. A blue ocean wave pattern is painted in gold paint on a ceramic base filled with a rich texture. This pattern represents eternal prosperity. Amidst this pattern, a flock of cranes are depicted flying in a majestic manner. This is a tasteful piece that combines tradition and modern style by a skilled Kutani ware artist. One of the great attractions of Kutani ware is the wide variety of techniques and painting styles, and this piece also gives a strong sense of that Kutani ware character. It is a masterpiece that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Kutani.

Kitamura Takashi was born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1946. He was certified as a traditional craftsman in 1997. He is a member of the Nitten Association, the Japan Contemporary Crafts and Arts Association, the Ishikawa Prefecture Ceramic Artists Association, a traditional craftsman certified by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, a member of the National Kitamae Ship Research Association, and chairman of the Nara Yakushiji Hokuriku Kowakai. His son, Kitamura Kazuyoshi, is also attracting attention as a young and up-and-coming Kutani ware artist. Kutani ware is not only well-known in Japan, but is also highly regarded overseas as "Japan Kutani". The expressiveness of the color painting, which is boldly yet delicately painted using the five colors of red, green, yellow, purple, and deep blue, is unparalleled, and is the "unique charm" of Kutani ware. Kutani ware has a long history and its vivid "Five Kutani Colors" beautifully express the single-minded passion and rich, delicate sensibilities of the artisans who breathe life into the clay and pour their heart into the overpainting. It is known not only in Japan but also overseas as a representative Japanese ceramics and is supported by many people.