Kitamura Takashi Kutani 'Yachiyo Tsuru' Gold-Leaf Cranes and Waves Vase, Signed Box

A rounded Kutani vase by Kitamura Takashi, 'Yachiyo Tsuru': a flock of cranes over breaking waves in overglaze enamels and genuine gold leaf, with its signed wooden box.

Kitamura Takashi (b. 1946) of Komatsu, Ishikawa, works in the Kutani tradition of rich overglaze enamels. According to the dealer, this piece was made as a special commemorative work for the Heisei Emperor's 60th birthday. Cranes, symbols of long life ('yachiyo' means 'eight thousand generations'), make this an auspicious display piece.

Details

• Artist: Kitamura Takashi (北村隆)
• Title: 八千代鶴 (本金箔色絵波濤群鶴紋花瓶): vase with cranes and waves in enamels and gold leaf
• Size: diameter 23 cm × height 23.5 cm
• Kutani porcelain, overglaze enamels and gold leaf
• Original signed wooden box (tomobako)
• Condition: good per the dealer; pre-owned

Watch: how Kutani porcelain is painted

A TEWAZA craft film showing Kutani ware techniques, from Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (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.