Hand-painted Kutani-yaki porcelain vase signed by painter Yūhō (勇峰) — two cranes crossing a gold-cloud sky over winter trees, on a deep navy ground. Catalogue size 8-go (八号), ~24.5 cm tall. Arrives in a paulownia wood gift box.
Quick facts
| Form |
Tsubo-shape flower vase (花瓶) |
| Height |
~24.5 cm (9.6") — supplier catalogue size 8-go |
| Diameter |
~17 cm (6.7") at widest point |
| Material |
Porcelain (Kutani-yaki) |
| Pattern |
金雲鶴木立 — Gold Cloud · Cranes · Standing Trees |
| Painter signature |
勇峰 (Yūhō), red overglaze on foot ring |
| Packaging |
Paulownia wood gift box (kiribako, 桐箱) |
| Origin |
Made in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Made by |
Kutani-yaki Tojudo (九谷焼の陶寿堂) in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan |
The crane in Japanese symbolism
The Japanese red-crowned crane (tsuru, 鶴) is said to live for a thousand years and to mate for a single lifetime. Two cranes in flight is one of the highest-status auspicious motifs in Japanese decorative art — traditionally given for weddings and wedding anniversaries, milestone birthdays (kanreki, koki, kiju, beiju, hakuju), retirements, and a first home together.
Why Kutani-yaki
Kutani-yaki is one of Japan's five great porcelain traditions, produced continuously in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture for over 360 years. It is known for vivid overglaze enamels, gold work, and confident brushwork. Each piece is hand-painted; the painter's signature on the foot ring is the traditional way Kutani houses identify the maker behind a piece.
How to display
- As an ikebana vessel — single-stem (ichirin) or seasonal arrangements
- In a tokonoma alcove for weddings, anniversaries, or New Year
- On a console or mantel — empty, as quiet sculpture (the gold leaf catches changing light)
- As a centerpiece gift for a long-married couple, a retirement, or a milestone birthday
Care
For decorative and floral display. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and the dishwasher. The hand-applied gold work is delicate — clean around the gold areas, never directly on them. If used with fresh flowers, empty and dry the interior between arrangements.
Common questions
Where is this vase made?
Made by 九谷焼の陶寿堂 (Kutani-yaki Tojudo) in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and curated by ZenKiln for international buyers.
Is the gold real gold leaf?
The piece is decorated with hand-applied gold pigment and gold-leaf accents — the classical Kutani gilding technique. Treat the gold areas as you would a fine-art surface: no abrasion, no detergent.
Will it hold water for fresh flowers?
Yes — the interior is glazed and watertight. We recommend changing the water every 2–3 days and emptying the vase between arrangements.
Is the box included?
Yes — every piece arrives in its original paulownia wood gift box (kiribako) with brushed 花瓶 calligraphy and the 九谷焼 kiln seal.
About ZenKiln
About ZenKiln — A Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.
📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery.
