Morino Taimei (森野泰明), Japanese, b. 1934

A Pear-Shaped Vase titled “Cloud Blue” Heisei Era (1989-2019) About the work A striking ceramic vase titled Unran (雲藍, “Cloud Blue”) by the distinguished Kyoto ceramic artist Morino Taimei. Executed in the artist's celebrated blue glaze, the vessel features an elegant pear-shaped form with a gently flaring neck. The luminous turquoise surface is overlaid with intricate bronze and dark metallic patterns that spread organically across the body, creating an appearance reminiscent of drifting clouds, flowing water, or branching forms found in nature. The rich contrast between the vivid blue ground and the textured metallic overlays demonstrates Morino's exceptional command of glaze chemistry and firing techniques. The surface possesses remarkable visual depth, with subtle variations in colour and texture revealing themselves as the vessel is viewed from different angles. While firmly rooted in the Kyoto ceramic tradition, the work embodies a distinctly modern sculptural sensibility, transforming a functional flower vase into an expressive work of contemporary ceramic art. The balanced proportions and refined silhouette are complemented by the dynamic surface decoration, resulting in a vase that is equally compelling as a display object or as a vessel for floral arrangements. The title Unran (“Cloud Blue”) aptly reflects the atmospheric quality of the glaze and the artist's ability to evoke natural phenomena through abstraction. The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and artist's information sheet. Dimensions 16cm(h) x 9.8cm(w) Footnote Morino Taimei (森野泰明, born 1934) is one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary ceramic artists and the son of renowned Kyoto potter Moria Kakõ(森野嘉光). A graduate of Kyoto City University of Arts, he first gained national recognition through the Nitten Exhibition, receiving the prestigious Hokuto Prize in 1960. From 1962 he lectured in ceramics at the University of Chicago, helping introduce modern Japanese ceramics to international audiences. His distinguished career includes the Minister for Foreign Affairs Award (1968), the Minister of Education Award (1983), the Kyoto Prefectural Culture Prize (1996), designation as a Person of Cultural Merit (2021), and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (2019). In 2007 he received the Japan Art Academy Prize, and in 2010 became a member of the Japan Art Academy while also receiving the Gold Prize of the Japan Ceramic Society.