222 - † WADA MORIHIRO: A YUSAI STONEWARE ‘TORI-MON’ FLOWER VASE

† WADA MORIHIRO: A YUSAI STONEWARE ‘TORI-MON’ FLOWER VASE By Wada Morihiro (1944-2008), signed Mori Japan, c. 1980s, late Showa period (1926-1989) Finely potted, the ovoid body rising from a short, straight foot through gently sloping shoulders to a slightly waisted neck with a narrow circular mouth. The exterior is decorated with highly stylized bird-like motifs, composed of iron-brown areas around the foot and neck overlapping feather-like linear designs in ochre and red, the two sections separated by a broad expanse of finely crackled greenish-white glaze. The underside signed MORI. HEIGHT 23.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition. With the original wood tomobako (storage box), the top of the cover signed by the artist Wada Morihiro and sealed Mori, the reverse inscribed yusai kaki [glazed flower vessel]. Wada Morihiro (1944-2008) was one of Japan's most influential contemporary ceramic artists, known for transforming traditional pottery through richly patterned surfaces and innovative decorative techniques. Working primarily in Kasama, he combined wax-resist methods, slip decoration, carving, and vibrant enamel-like polychrome glazes to create complex abstract motifs inspired by nature. His vessels often feature layered imagery, rhythmic patterns, and bold color contrasts that blur the line between ceramics and painting. Internationally acclaimed, Wada helped redefine modern Japanese ceramics while remaining deeply rooted in craft traditions. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related yusai stoneware pot with flying bird pattern, by Wada Morihiro, dated 1978-1983, 28 cm high, in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, accession number 2025.91.53. Auction comparison: Compare a related larger glazed stoneware vase, by Wada Morihiro, dated 1993, 35 cm high, at Bonhams, International Post-War and Contemporary Ceramic Art, 5 June 2007, New York, lot 100 (sold for USD 18,000 or approx. EUR 25,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.