Tokkuri nasu (eggplant) vase by Motohiko Ito

A ceramic tokkuri soliflore vase with nasu decoration (eggplant, s auspicious symbol, very common in Japanese culture) by Motohiko Ito, master of Kasama yaki ceramics, and renowned for his unique "Nunome" technique, which, on this particular vase, consisted of pressing a damp cloth onto the surface of the clay before firing.

This method, originally used to facilitate demolding, allows Ito-san to capture the fabric's patterns and textures directly onto his creations, giving this vase a distinct tactile quality. His works, often decorated with flowers and plants, such as the camellia here, incorporate this textile texture as a means of artistic expression.

This vase, used as a soliflore or superb decorative object, is signed (engraving) by the artist at its base and is accompanied by its protective wooden box on which the name of the artist and his official seal are affixed (inside the lid) and closed by a sanadahimo (braided cord). A protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal, as well as an information document (shiori) detailing the ceramicist's profile, are also included, guaranteeing the piece's authenticity and provenance. A rare and precious piece.

About Motohiko Ito:

Born in 1939 in Fukuoka Prefecture, Motohiko Ito studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts, graduating with a degree in ceramics in 1966. He later worked under the influence of master potters such as Matsui Kosei. In 1970, he settled in Kasama, where he built his own kiln. Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous prestigious exhibitions, receiving awards such as the Purple Ribbon Medal in 1999. His fame extends far beyond Japan, and some of his works have been acquired by the Emperor himself, symbolizing the importance of his art in Japan's ceramic heritage.