Hirado Chrysanthemum and Running Water Flower Vase

This porcelain vase takes the form of a gently rounded gourd, with chrysanthemums rising from its upper half and flowing water painted across the lower half. The chrysanthemums are created using the Hirado kikka-kazari technique, emerging from the porcelain in layers of fine relief. Each flower is individually formed, giving every bloom its own shape and rhythm. As the porcelain is fired, the once-sharp creases of the petals soften, rounding the contours of each blossom. The lower half of the vase depicts flowing water, painted in sometsuke blue and white. The brushwork moves across the smooth surface in fluid, continuous lines, presenting a clear contrast with the textured, raised chrysanthemums above. Blue leaves among the chrysanthemums repeat the tones of the running water below, creating a subtle connection between the two sections. *Piece I and Piece II share the same design, with slight variations in appearance as each was crafted at a different time.