A large Kutani-ware vase by Tokuda Yasokichi III

A large round porcelain Kutani-ware vase by the contemporary master Tokuda Masahiko also known as Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933). The glaze of the vase changes from light blue, yellow, green towards dark blue near the bottom. In an unmarked box with a paper with the activities of the potter till Heisei 8 (1996). Bottom mark: Kutani Masahiko.

About Tokuda Yasokichi III: Tokuda Yasokichi III was one of the world’s most famous of Kutani potters. Born in Ishikawa prefecture, he was designated a Living National Treasure in 1997 for his mastery of the saiyu glaze technique. Yasokichi III innovated the glaze technique based on traditional Kutani colored glaze enamels. He developed techniques handed down from his grandfather, Tokuda Yasokichi I (1873–1956) and later his father, Tokuda Yasokichi II (1907–1997). Through his saiyu glaze techniques, Yasokichi III created his own design characterized by delicate shading and the beautiful color contrasts of his vivid enamel glazes. Yasokichi III’s works have been recognized widely and shown in numerous museums including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Sackler Gallery, and the Smithsonian Institute. His honors include the acceptance into the Issui-kai Pottery and Porcelain Exhibition (1958), and the receiving of multiple prizes such as the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Association Chairman’s Award (1977), the Grand Prize of the International Pottery and Porcelain Exhibition (1990), and the Purple Ribbon Medal given by Japanese government.