Vase Vase Made of Kyoto Ware by Takuji Suzuki

Finely crafted and covered in a white, crackled, finely speckled glaze, this vase is made of Kyo ware – the tradition closely tied to the imperial city of Kyoto and its refined aesthetic. A sweeping red aka-e painting with turquoise dots, a bird or phoenix motif, runs across the shoulder and body and attests to the high craftsmanship of this pottery region.

Kyo ware differs from the more rustic country potteries through its greater diversity of design and its often more artful handling of glaze and form – a legacy of the long connection to the court and tea masters of the old capital. This vase comes from Suzuki Takuji and is delivered in a wooden box signed by the master potter. The box inscription identifies it as an aka-e flower vase; thanks to its bottle shape, however, it can just as well be used for serving sake. As a handcrafted unique work, it makes an elegant collector's piece of Japanese ceramic art.