Sazameku Cascade Round Japanese Flower Vase　

Expanding the language of Yamaura Saori’s Sazameku series, the Sazameku Cascade Round Flower Vase marks a shift in rhythm, with cascading descent giving way to layered, horizontal flow.

Traditional Kutani glazing techniques enter into dialogue with a rounded, asymmetrical form shaped by hand. With its lower center of gravity and gently rising contours, the vessel feels grounded and assured.

Layers of deep green and white move laterally across the surface, forming undulating bands that encircle the body. Rather than extending in long vertical trails, the yudare gathers in multiple tiers, suggesting water folding back onto itself. Within each white drift, intricate cellular patterns emerge—delicate, web-like structures shaped through heat, gravity, and precise control in the kiln.

The rim follows a soft, wave-like contour, while the interior is finished in deep black. The dark interior draws the eye inward, creating a striking contrast with the luminous exterior.

At the foot, a bubble motif continues the water theme in a lighter register, echoing the surface above in a more compact, concentrated form. As in all works within the series, the glaze halts just before fully reaching its limit, holding a moment where intention meets chance. Each firing produces singular variations, ensuring no two pieces are alike.

The rounded form pairs naturally with a simple seasonal bloom, perhaps a single camellia set low. Even without flowers, the vessel feels complete, its presence steady and self-contained within a space.

Yamaura Saori

Among today’s Kutani ware artists, Yamaura Saori brings a distinctive presence. Working from her home studio, she lets her hands guide her through subtle curves, gentle distortions, and soft transitions. Her pieces are not bound by convention, yet they are unmistakably rooted in craft. At once fluid and precise, intuitive and technical, her ceramics speak of a moment captured in time.

Kutani Ware

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.