Kutani Crane Vase, Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase with Gold Leaf, for Ikebana and Tokonoma Display

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.

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

Common questions

Where is this vase made?

Made in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan — hand-painted Kutani-yaki signed by the painter Yūhō (勇峰) on the foot ring — 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.