Sakaida Kakiemon XIV Nishiki Willow and Bird Vase, Living National Treasure, Signed Box

A porcelain vase by Living National Treasure Sakaida Kakiemon XIV, decorated in overglaze enamels with willow branches and a bird, with its signed wooden box.

Sakaida Kakiemon XIV (1934–2013) trained in Nihonga painting before succeeding to the Kakiemon name in 1982, and was designated a Living National Treasure for iro-e (overglaze-enamelled) porcelain. His brushwork brought a painter's freshness to the family's centuries-old Arita style, with clear red, green, blue and yellow enamels balanced against generous white space. The willow-and-bird theme shows his characteristic restraint: a few lightly drawn branches and a single bird set against the white body.

Details

• Artist: Sakaida Kakiemon XIV (十四代 酒井田柿右衛門)
• Title: 錦 柳鳥文 花瓶 (Nishiki willow and bird vase)
• Size: diameter 13 cm × height 21.7 cm
• Porcelain with overglaze enamels
• Original signed wooden box (tomobako)
• Condition: good per the dealer; pre-owned

Watch: the history of Kakiemon porcelain

The British Museum explains the history and making of Kakiemon-style Japanese porcelain. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• One of a kind. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Professionally double-boxed for shipping.