{"product_id":"vase-en-porcelaine-celadon-seihakuji-et-kakis-de-inoue-manji-tresor-national-vivant","title":"Seihakuji celadon porcelain vase with persimmons by Manji Inoue, Living National Treasure","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis seihakuji celadon porcelain vase \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eby Manji Inoue, designated a Living National Treasure of Japan in 1995, illustrates with great mastery the refined work of the famous ceramicist from Arita. The vase's ample and perfectly balanced form highlights the softness of the celadon porcelain, while the engraved persimmon motifs provide a very contemporary decorative spirit integrated directly into the surface of the piece. Through the sobriety of its lines, the finesse of its reliefs, and the exceptional quality of its porcelain, this work fully testifies to the aesthetic language developed by Inoue Manji around formal purity and the interplay of light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Ceramicist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManji Inoue (1929–2025), born in Arita, is a major figure in Japanese ceramics, renowned for his mastery of porcelain and delicate engraved motifs. Evolving within the Arita-yaki tradition, he is recognized for a style that is both refined and deeply rooted in Japanese cultural heritage. His minimalist approach highlights the purity of the porcelain, magnified by subtle hand-engraved motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1995, Manji Inoue was designated a Living National Treasure of Japan, a prestigious distinction reserved for artisans who embody excellence in a traditional art and ensure its transmission. This title underscores not only his technical mastery but also his essential role in the preservation of Japan's ceramic heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis works are held in many important collections today and are sought after by international collectors. His engraved porcelains, in particular, occupy a unique place in his body of work due to their balance between technical virtuosity, formal sobriety, and decorative subtlety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Technique and Decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vase perfectly illustrates the engraved porcelain work developed by Manji Inoue using white porcelain and seihakuji (pale celadon). The form is thrown with extreme precision before being meticulously reworked to achieve this organic, perfectly taut silhouette, whose curves accentuate the diffusion of light across the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe persimmon decoration is an example of chōmon (engraved decor), a signature technique of Inoue Manji’s work. The motifs are engraved directly into the porcelain while the material still retains a slight suppleness. The ceramicist delicately carves the outlines of the patterns to create a light relief that remains intentionally discreet. Some parts of the decor are left without the seihakuji glaze, thus preserving the natural whiteness of the porcelain. This contrast between the celadon zones and the white reserves allows the motifs to emerge with great subtlety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seihakuji glaze, which is particularly fine and slightly translucent, reveals the variations in the depth of the decor and accentuates the engraved reliefs without ever weighing down the surface. The entire vase rests on a highly controlled balance between form, material, and light, characteristic of Manji Inoue's work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe persimmon motif, associated with autumn in Japanese aesthetics, introduces a discreet seasonal reference that harmonizes with the general sobriety of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vase is signed by the ceramicist on its base. It is accompanied by its wooden tomobako protective box, signed by the artist and bearing the ceramicist’s seal as well as the name of the work, along with an informational document (shiori) detailing the ceramicist’s profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePractical Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace of Manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJapan (Arita)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDiameter 24 cm - Height 21 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVase + box: 3.7 kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCeladon porcelain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate Shōwa era (1926–1989)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery good condition. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tomobako box shows some stains and discoloration, reflecting its role in protecting the vase over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Atelier Ikiwa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57508794794324,"sku":"CJ-CH-06-09","price":1380.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/3439\/4039\/files\/vase-ceramique-japonaise-porcelaine-celadon-seihakuji-kakis-inoue-manji-tresor-national-vivant-atelier-ikiwa-11.jpg?v=1791575297","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/vase-en-porcelaine-celadon-seihakuji-et-kakis-de-inoue-manji-tresor-national-vivant","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}