Large Kutani ceramic vase (Kutani-yaki) decorated with stylized birds, by Matsumoto Saichi (1930–2021)

A large, ovoid vase with a narrow neck, made of Japanese Kutani ceramic, covered in a honey-toned glaze, enlivened by broad amber reserves and darker accents that structure the decoration. The ornamentation evokes a flock of stylized birds, rendered in a simplified manner, with flat areas and washes of color rather than naturalistic drawing, giving a very contemporary feel to a piece nonetheless firmly rooted in the Kutani tradition. The base is left unglazed and bears a painted signature indicating "Kutani" and the artist's name "Saichi."

The vase is preserved in its original tomobako; the inscription on the lid specifies a "vase with decoration of 群鳥 (birds in group/flight)" in "黄彩", which is understood here as a nuanced yellow dominant, rendered by a honey color.

Biography
Matsumoto Saichi (松本佐一, 1930–2021), born in Kanazawa, is a renowned figure in Kutani ceramics and comes from a long line of artisans; his great-grandfather was the celebrated Matsumoto Sahei. Trained in Kanazawa and later in Kyoto at a national ceramic research institute, he was selected for the Nitten exhibition early in his career and twice received the Tokusen Prize, a major distinction at this show. Later settling in Ishikawa Prefecture, where he built a noborigama kiln in Yoshinoya, he developed a body of work ranging from traditional iro-e to more personal explorations, particularly in metallic effects and large-scale pieces. He also received regional recognition, notably with an Ishikawa Prefectural Cultural Merit Award, a testament to his established status within the local art scene.

Dimensions
Height: approx. 40 cm.