Sazameku Cascade Deep Blue Round Flower Vase

Deep blue spreads across the rounded body of this flower vase, with white cascading over its hand-shaped form. The irregular rim rises and falls with the movement below, calling to mind water caught in motion.

Yamaura Saori builds the color through layers of wa-enogu, glass-based pigments used in Kutani ware, firing the piece repeatedly to deepen the tones. The white is applied last. In the kiln, it melts and travels across the exterior, gathering into broad bands and narrow trails. In places, it thins to reveal the blue beneath; elsewhere, small openings and web-like formations emerge.

The result depends on both application and firing. By holding the kiln at its peak temperature, a process known as nerashi, Yamaura lets the final layer run while judging how far it will travel. Its course cannot be completely predetermined, leaving each piece with markings shaped in part by the kiln.

The interior is finished in black, set against the blue and white outside. At the foot, clusters of bubble-like forms appear against a pale ground, a small continuation of the water imagery.

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.