Handcrafted Vase from Arita – A Masterpiece of Yōhen Art

This exceptional piece of ceramic artistry was created in 1972 in Arita – one of Japan’s most renowned and historic porcelain regions. The artist, Kusuo Baba, is highly respected among connoisseurs and has since retired, making this work a particularly valuable and unique piece.

At the heart of this vase lies the fascinating Yōhen technique: during the firing process, unpredictable color gradients and patterns emerge through the chemical reaction of the glaze with the flame – each piece is therefore truly one of a kind.

The intense red coloration is created when copper in the glaze reacts with the reducing atmosphere inside the kiln. The result is a spectacular play of colors – from delicate ruby red to deep, almost mystical crimson tones. It is said that this red resembles that of rare rubies – an effect that can only be achieved through the highest material quality and a precisely controlled firing process at 1300 °C.

A characteristic feature of this vase is the fine white rim around the neck, which elegantly frames the artistic glaze. The distinctive blue glaze, known as Kinyou, reveals a fascinating spectrum of light blue and turquoise hues. The red-violet speckles are the result of adding copper to the pale blue glaze. When the purplish-red glaze is poured irregularly over the base glaze, a vivid contrast unfolds: the clear blue meets a delicately speckled, red-violet pattern – a testament to artisanal refinement and natural harmony.

A precious collector’s item – elegant, artistic, and rich in history. Ideal for lovers of Japanese ceramics, art enthusiasts, and all those who seek the extraordinary.

From Arita (Saga Prefecture)

Arita is located in the western part of Saga Prefecture (Kyūshū), near the border with Nagasaki Prefecture.
Covering an area of about 65 km², approximately 70% of the region consists of forested hills and mountains. The Arita River flows through the town and eventually empties into the sea near Imari.