Vase c. 20th century

This striking vase was crafted by Tokuda Yasokichi III, a master of Kutani ware. The blues and yellows mimic the play of water and light, echoing ancient East Asian motifs of harmony and fluidity, where water symbolizes life's ever-changing nature. Note how the glaze pools and streams, resembling not just water but also the patterns of tree branches, an ancient symbol of connection and growth. This fluidity reminds us of similar patterns found in Chinese landscape paintings, where nature is a powerful, living entity. It also recalls motifs in classical art, such as the flowing robes of deities, suggesting movement and transcendence. Such patterns evoke a primal, subconscious connection to nature's rhythms, tapping into a collective memory of nature's vital force. These aren't just aesthetic choices; they’re echoes of cultural memory, resurfacing in new forms and contexts. The vase, therefore, becomes more than a vessel; it is a carrier of timeless visual symbols.