A JAPANESE VASE BY TOKUDA YASOKICHI III/ MASAHIKO

TOKUDA YASOKICHI III/ MASAHIKO (1933-2009)
HEISEI, 20TH CENTURY

The pear-shaped body with an elongated neck, covered in an unctuous glaze stopping short of the foot; the upper half with the white crackled body visible throught the transparent glaze, the shoulder a bright cyan-blue and the lower body an aubergine colour, with one long streak extending down from the neck; the base signed; together with a tomobako (wood box) inscribed Kutani Masahiko and sealed Masahiko, 23cm. (2)

Provenance: from an English private collection, Wiltshire.

Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933-2009), also known as Masahiko, was a renowned Japanese potter, celebrated for his innovative saiyu glaze technique, creating vibrant and subtly shaded enamelware. He built upon his family's tradition, developing a distinctive modern style that earned him many awards and international recognition, with his works featured in major museums. He became the third generation to bear the name Tokuda Yasokichi and was recognized for his significant contributions to Kutani ware. Tokuda Yasokichi III was designated as a Living National Treasure in 1997.