Silver light through turquoise and blue

Product Description

Turquoise flows into deep blue across a softly rounded porcelain form. Within the lighter glaze, pale silver shapes overlap in an abstract pattern, catching the light with a quiet shimmer. A near-black base and the included black stand give the luminous colour a defined frame.

This Kutani vase is decorated using Ginsai, a technique that layers transparent or coloured glaze over silver leaf before firing. The silver lends depth to the surface, revealing different reflections as the light changes.

Measuring approximately 17 cm in diameter and 24.5 cm high, it has a substantial presence on a console or sideboard. A few slender stems or a simple branch arrangement complement the rounded silhouette; displayed empty, the vase remains a focal point in its own right.

Made in Japan from porcelain, it comes with a display stand and a presentation box. A thoughtful choice for a housewarming, an anniversary or someone drawn to Japanese ceramics and the colours of water.

Product Information
  • Craft: Kutani ware
  • Technique: Ginsai — silver leaf beneath transparent or coloured glaze
  • Material: Porcelain
  • Colour: Turquoise graduating into deep blue
  • Vase diameter: Approximately 17 cm / 6.7 in
  • Vase height: Approximately 24.5 cm / 9.6 in
  • Contents: One vase and one display stand
  • Origin: Japan
  • Packaging: Presentation box
Care instructions

Wash the vase gently by hand with mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse after displaying fresh flowers and allow the interior to dry thoroughly before storing.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, impacts and sudden temperature changes. Wipe the stand with a soft dry cloth; do not soak it. Dry the vase base before replacing it on the stand.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Ginsai is a Kutani decorative technique in which silver leaf is applied to the surface, covered with transparent or coloured glaze, and fired. The layered finish allows the silver to lend depth and luminosity to the colour.

On this Japanese porcelain vase, the pale silver pattern is set within turquoise and deep blue. The effect is abstract and atmospheric, giving the piece a strong presence without a figurative motif.

Note

Pattern placement, colour depth and dimensions may vary slightly between pieces. The listed dimensions refer to the vase; the stand’s dimensions and the total display height are not specified.

Questions About This Piece

What is Ginsai decoration?
Ginsai uses silver leaf beneath transparent or coloured glaze, followed by firing. On this vase, it creates luminous abstract shapes within the turquoise and blue surface.
How large is the vase?
The vase measures approximately 17 cm in diameter and 24.5 cm high (6.7 × 9.6 in). These are vase measurements; the dimensions of the stand and the total height with the stand are not specified.
Are the stand and gift box included?
Yes. The vase comes with a black display stand and a presentation box. Flowers and other styling accessories are not included.
How can I style it?
Try a few slender stems or a simple branch arrangement, leaving space around the vase so its silver-leaf pattern remains visible. It also works beautifully without flowers on a console, sideboard or display shelf.
Kutani ware from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Kutani ware · Ishikawa, Japan

Kutani: Japan’s art of brilliant color

Kutani ware emerged in Ishikawa in the 17th century and became celebrated for bold overglaze painting and an unmistakably rich use of color. Its decorative language ranges from expressive nature motifs to highly detailed compositions, giving Kutani porcelain a vivid character unlike almost any other Japanese ceramic tradition.

17th-century roots born in Ishikawa
Kutani Gosai five signature colors
Overglaze painting bold, layered, expressive
Ishikawa · Hokuriku · Japan

Discover Kutani

Learn more about Kutani ware

What is Kutani ware?

Kutani ware is a tradition of Japanese porcelain associated with Ishikawa Prefecture. It first developed in the 17th century and is especially known for richly colored overglaze decoration, bold compositions and a wide range of styles that evolved over several centuries.

What are the five colors of Kutani ware?

The traditional Kutani palette is often referred to as Kutani Gosai, or the five Kutani colors: red, yellow, green, purple and dark blue. These vivid overglaze enamels are used in different combinations, from dense decorative painting to more restrained contemporary work.

Where is Kutani ware made?

Kutani ware is associated with Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan’s Hokuriku region, particularly the areas around Kaga, Komatsu and Kanazawa. The original Kutani production began near present-day Kaga in the mid-1600s.

Why does Kutani ware look so different from other Japanese porcelain?

Kutani is distinguished by its emphasis on decoration after the porcelain body has been fired. Layers of colored enamel are applied over the glaze, allowing artists to create saturated color, strong outlines and highly expressive imagery. This gives Kutani ware a more painterly and often more dramatic appearance than many other Japanese porcelain traditions.