Cranes in Flight Japanese Flower Vase
Capturing the beauty of a fleeting moment in nature, this Kutani ware vase is crafted by artist Nakamura Toshito. A flock of cranes is depicted with their wings outstretched in graceful motion amid a softly frosted sky. The imagery evokes the hush of midwinter, when snow blankets the land and the air grows still.
Nakamura employs the refined furi technique to dust the surface with pale speckles, lending the bluish glaze a layered texture. The result is a scene that feels at once delicate and expansive, echoing the stillness of a snow-filled sky. The vase’s elongated body provides a generous canvas for the cranes’ sweeping flight, allowing their airy forms, rendered with fine brushwork and balanced use of white, to unfold with rhythm across the surface.
In Japanese culture, cranes (tsuru) are cherished symbols of longevity, peace, and good fortune. Their unified motion here evokes resilience and calm strength—a quiet harmony in the face of seasonal change.
The opening of the vase flares outward, adding a hint of modernity to a classic motif. It’s a work that invites calmness through both sight and touch, reserved in expression, yet deeply resonant.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size |
D 7.0 cm (2.8 in) x W 26.5 cm (10.4 in) x H 15.0 cm (5.9 in) [Size of opening] D 2.5 cm (1.0 in) [Wooden box] D 10.5 cm (4.1 in) x W 30.0 cm (11.8 in) x H 19.5 cm (7.7 in) |
| Weight | 1,200 g (42.3 oz) |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Package Type | Wooden box |
Maker / Brand
Nakamura Toshito is celebrated for his exceptional realism, enlivening nature’s beauty across the surfaces of Kutani ware. His work transcends traditional motifs, blending intricate, lifelike depictions of flora, fauna, and wildlife with refined brush techniques. Viewers are invited to connect deeply with the tranquility and balance found in the natural world through Nakamura’s meticulous attention to detail. His art brings comfort, creating a moment of calm amid the bustle of everyday moments.
Crafts
Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.
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Nakamura Toshito
Nakamura Toshito is celebrated for his exceptional realism, enlivening nature’s beauty across the surfaces of Kutani ware. His work transcends traditional motifs, blending intricate, lifelike depictions of flora, fauna, and wildlife with refined brush techniques. Viewers are invited to connect deeply with the tranquility and balance found in the natural world through Nakamura’s meticulous attention to detail. His art brings comfort, creating a moment of calm amid the bustle of everyday moments.
Healing and Harmony: The Charm of Nakamura Toshito
Musubi Gallery
Since its inception, MUSUBI KILN has strived to introduce the world to the finest traditional crafts from masters all around Japan.
Here, in the Gallery, we seek to showcase the highest echelon of traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can discover works from masters who have not only perfected those methods, but added their imagination to innovate the craft even further.
Some of these masters have even been named Living National Treasures, a title bestowed upon them by the Japanese government to formally recognize their contribution to crafts and culture — thereby cementing their legacy and making them an important part of art history.
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over many months to create a timeless treasure that's unlike any other. And when it's in your home, you, too, will become part of that history.
Welcome to the Gallery. Please, peruse at your leisure.
