A Woodland Scene Beneath Golden Clouds

Product Description

Fine gold- and silver-toned trees rise across a deep green ground, their bare branches reaching towards softly shaded clouds. The contrast between the intricate woodland silhouettes and the broad bands above gives this Kutani vase the feel of a small landscape, with new details to notice as the light changes.

Its rounded body tapers into a short neck with a gently flared rim. At 12 cm in diameter × 13 cm high (4.7 × 5.1 in), it brings a decorative accent to a shelf, side table, or entryway console without needing a large arrangement.

Try a single pale flower to pick up the lighter tones in the design, or a slender sprig of greenery to complement the deep green background. Keep the stems light and the arrangement open, allowing the branching trees to remain the focus. Displayed empty, the vase is equally engaging as a ceramic object.

Made in Japan, the vase features the Golden Clouds & Trees design, known in Japanese as 金雲木立. It arrives in a presentation box, making it a considered gift for someone drawn to Japanese ceramics and woodland imagery.

Product Information
  • Quantity: 1 bud vase
  • Craft: Kutani ware
  • Design: Golden Clouds & Trees (金雲木立)
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Colour: Deep green with gold- and silver-toned decoration
  • Dimensions: Diameter 12 cm × height 13 cm (4.7 × 5.1 in)
  • Country of origin: Japan
  • Packaging: Presentation box
Care instructions

We recommend gentle hand washing with lukewarm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse after use and allow the interior to dry fully before storing.

To protect the decorative finish, avoid abrasive cleaners, prolonged soaking, and the dishwasher. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Lift by the body rather than the neck, and use a coaster or protective mat on delicate furniture.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Made in Japan, this vase belongs to the Kutani ware tradition associated with Ishikawa Prefecture. Kutani encompasses a wide range of decorative approaches, from richly coloured floral scenes to more restrained landscape designs.

Here, finely drawn trees stretch across a dark green ground beneath cloud-like bands. The contrast between intricate branches and broad areas of colour gives this compact ceramic vessel its distinctive character.

Note

Dimensions refer to the widest part of the body and the overall height, not the opening. Flowers and styling accessories are not included. Colours and the appearance of the reflective decoration may vary with lighting and screen settings.

Questions About This Piece

How large is the vase, and what stems suit it?
The vase measures 12 cm in diameter × 13 cm high (approximately 4.7 × 5.1 in). Try one slender flower stem or a light sprig of greenery, trimmed to complement its compact height. Keep the arrangement simple so the tree decoration remains visible.
Does it come in a gift box?
Yes. It comes in a presentation box, making it a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys Japanese ceramics, nature-inspired decoration, or small floral arrangements.
Can I display it without flowers?
Yes. The gold- and silver-toned trees, deep green ground, and softly layered clouds give it plenty of interest on its own. Place it on a shelf, side table, or console where the fine branches can be seen at close range.
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.