Chinese & Japanese Porcelain

PORCELAIN Vase by LNT Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933-2009)

PORCELAIN Vase by LNT Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933-2009)

Japan, 1980’s

Height: 26 cm

Diameter: 12 cm

The vessel’s form is elegantly elongated, tapering gently at the base and culminating in a flared rim with two delicate loop handles, adding a subtle decorative touch.

The surface is adorned with Tokuda’s signature saiyu glaze, a mesmerizing blend of deep blues, vibrant greens, and hints of purple, seamlessly flowing together in a gradient that shifts with the light. This rich, luminous effect recalls the ethereal beauty of natural phenomena, such as the aurora borealis.  The base is signed ‘Kutani Masahiko’, indicating this vase was made before 1988.

Tokuda Masahiko (1933-2009) was born in Ishikawa Prefecture as the eldest son of Tokuda Yasokichi II. At an early age (20 years old), he decided to leave the Kanazawa Junior College of Art and carry forward the artistic legacy of his grandfather, Tokuda Yasokichi I (1873–1956), and his father, Tokuda Yasokichi II (1907–1997), further developing their techniques.

His talent was soon recognised and already in 1958 he was accepted into the ceramics division of the 1st Issui-kai Exhibition. In October 1963, Masahiko’s work was accepted for the 6th Nitten exhibition and by 1965 he also started exhibiting at the Japan Contemporary Art and Crafts Exhibition. 

During his long career, Masahiko was given numerous prestigious awards, including the Japan Art Crafts Association Patron’s Prize (1977), the Grand Prize at the International Pottery and Porcelain Exhibition (1990), and the Medal with Purple Ribbon, bestowed by the Emperor of Japan (1993).

On November 1st In 1988, he took over the traditional family name Yasokichi, officially becoming the third generation Tokuda Yasokichi.

In 1997 he was designated a Living National Treasure for his mastery of the saiyu glaze technique – known for its vivid enamel hues. Yasokichi III refined and innovated this technique, building upon the traditional Kutani colored glaze enamels.

Works by Yasokichi III are held in many leading museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum.

Price on Request

 Object #258

Literature:

燿彩 – 徳田八十吉作品集 (vibrant colors – the complete works of Tokuda Yasokichi), Kodansha 1995, Japan.