601-KTY-TY-03 Living National Treasure – Third Generation Tokuda Yasokichi Kutani Ware “Hekimei Yōsai” Flower Vase / Decorative Jar “Hyōtan (Gourd)”, Size 8 JAC-BNS-601-KTY-03

“Hekimei Yōsai” is a unique and original color-glazing technique perfected by Living National Treasure, the third generation Tokuda Yasokichi, and is regarded as the pinnacle of Kutani ware artistry.
Centered on a deep, crystal-clear blue, the ethereal gradation subtly transitions through jade green, ultramarine, and soft violet. This dreamlike harmony of color is achieved through the meticulous layering of multiple glazes and an extraordinarily precise control of firing conditions pushed to their absolute limits.
The boundaries between colors dissolve naturally, creating an expression of remarkable depth and transparency—as if light itself were dwelling upon the surface of the vessel.

Because even the slightest variations in glaze composition, application, firing temperature, and timing can dramatically affect the final result, this technique demands exceptional mastery, sensitivity, and experience.
Its outstanding perfection and originality have earned the highest acclaim both in Japan and abroad, establishing Tokuda Yasokichi’s signature style and opening a new artistic frontier in the world of Kutani ware.
The profound yet tranquil color world created by Hekimei Yōsai captivates the viewer, inviting a sense of timeless beauty and quiet contemplation.

Third Generation Tokuda Yasokichi (1933–2009) was a pioneering ceramic artist who brought innovation to Kutani ware and perfected the original color-expression technique known as “Yōsai.”
In 1997, in recognition of his exceptional skill and artistic achievement, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Breaking free from the constraints of the traditional Kutani Five Colors, he created ethereal gradations centered on deep, luminous blue through the meticulous layering of glazes and precise control of firing conditions.
His signature technique, “Hekimei Yōsai,” produces expressions of remarkable depth and transparency—as if light itself were dwelling within the vessel—and has earned the highest acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
The natural gradations that dissolve all sense of color boundaries, combined with a presence that is both serene and powerful, opened a new horizon for Kutani ware as fine art ceramics.
His works are housed not only in leading museums throughout Japan, but also in major museums overseas, and he continues to be highly acclaimed as one of the most distinguished figures in contemporary Japanese ceramic art.

Transcending the conventional boundaries of functional vessels, the works of the third-generation Tokuda Yasokichi stand as crystallizations of Japanese aesthetic sensibility and master craftsmanship, cherished and admired across generations.

Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art and Crafts. Studied overglaze enamel techniques under the first-generation Tokuda Yasokichi, and trained in contemporary ceramic art under his predecessor.
In 1967, deeply inspired by the exhibition Kutani Ancient Ceramics Exhibition featuring works of Ko-Kutani, Yoshidaya, and Aoya styles, he began intensive research into Ko-Kutani. Through continuous experimentation, he sought to revive and reinterpret the beauty of Ko-Kutani’s overglaze enamels, particularly the vibrant colors of the Aote Ko-Kutani style, for modern expression.
From 1983 onward, he devoted himself to developing diverse Kutani glazes, eventually perfecting his original technique known as Yōsai. He has since held numerous solo exhibitions both in Japan and internationally.
Selected multiple times for the Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition and the Nitten Exhibition, and became a member and award recipient of the Issuikai Ceramic Division.

Major Awards, Honors & Exhibitions

1971 – Awarded the NHK Chairman’s Prize for Saiyū Bowl at the 18th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Presented his works to Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko during their visit to Mitsukoshi.
1972 – Received multiple awards at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition. Won the Japan Art Crafts Association Grand Prize at the 24th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition for Yōsai Bowl.
1984 – Yōsai Bowl “Senritsu” acquired by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan.
1985 – Received the Hokkoku Culture Award.
1986 – Awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Prize. Certified as a Kutani ware Intangible Cultural Asset Holder. Selected as Outstanding Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Yōsai Bowl “Reimei.” Held solo exhibitions in Egypt and Paris.
1987 – Solo exhibition in Singapore.
1988 – Solo exhibition at Gallery DEN, Los Angeles. Officially succeeded to the name of Third Generation Tokuda Yasokichi on November 1.
1989 – Exhibited works at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Singapore; participated in international ceramic exhibitions in Bangkok under royal patronage.
1990 – Solo exhibition in Moscow; received the International Ceramics Grand Prix and Komatsu City Cultural Award.
1991 – Solo exhibitions in Washington D.C., Boston, and New York. Won the Chichibu-no-miya Cup Grand Prize for Sōsei, acquired by the National Museum of Modern Art. Received the Minister for Foreign Affairs Commendation for international cultural contributions. Solo exhibition in Berlin.
1992 – Appointed Chief Examiner of the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
1993 – Hekimei Yōsai Vase acquired by the British Museum. Awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal. Works collected by the Smithsonian Sackler Gallery.
1994 – Participated in Washington Cherry Blossom Festival; solo exhibition. Invited to the Imperial Garden Party.
1995 – Solo exhibitions in São Paulo and Chicago.
1996 – Solo exhibition in Detroit. Appointed Chairman of the Ishikawa Ceramic Artists Association.
1997 – Awarded the MOA Okada Mokichi Grand Prize. Designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for colored porcelain). Appointed Honorary Citizen of Komatsu City.
1998 – Solo exhibitions in Paris and Rotterdam. Yōsai Line Pattern Jar acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
2000 – Solo exhibition at the Japan Cultural Institute, Rome.
2009 – Passed away.

This is a representative work of the third-generation Tokuda Yasokichi, created using his signature technique, “Hekimei Yōsai.”
This piece, titled “Hyōtan (Gourd),” features a striking form inspired by the natural shape of the gourd fruit, creating a distinctive and symbolic silhouette.

About the size designation:
The traditional Japanese size unit “gō” indicates the approximate dimension, with one gō corresponding to about 3 cm.
This piece is sized at 8 gō, giving it a height of approximately 24 cm (9.4 inches).

*Comes with a signed paulownia wood box (with traditional Sanada-himo cord) and a display plaque.

Kutani ware is one of Japan’s most distinguished traditional porcelain arts, developed in the Kaga region of southern Ishikawa Prefecture.
Its history dates back to around 1655 in the early Edo period, and it is renowned for its sumptuous overglaze decoration and bold, expressive brushwork.
The vivid color palette known as the “Kutani Five Colors”—red, yellow, green, purple, and deep cobalt blue—combined with dynamic compositions that boldly utilize negative space, creates a distinctive aesthetic found nowhere else in ceramic art.
From realistic depictions of flowers, birds, and landscapes to daring abstract motifs, Kutani ware has continually evolved, producing a rich diversity of artistic expression across the centuries.

Moreover, its richly layered overglaze decoration, remarkable depth and dimensionality, luminous transparency of glaze, and elegant yet vibrant presence have earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad. Revered as fine art while also cherished as functional tableware, Kutani ware seamlessly bridges beauty and everyday life.
Even today, master artisans—including Living National Treasures and certified traditional craftsmen—continue to honor tradition while pursuing innovation, opening new horizons for the future of Kutani ware.

• Living National Treasure – Third Generation Tokuda Yasokichi Kutani Ware “Hekimei Yōsai” Flower Vase / Decorative Jar “Hyōtan (Gourd)”, Size 8
  Product No.：JAC-BNS-601-KTY-03
  Size：Work / Φ140 ㎜ × Height 240 ㎜、Paulownia Box / 178 ㎜ × 178 ㎜ × Height 298 ㎜
  Weight：Work / 773 g（Include Box / About 1,500 g）
  *Comes with a signed paulownia wood box (with traditional Sanada-himo cord) and a display plaque.


• 1,000 JPY flat rate shipping within Japan, free shipping for purchases totaling 20,000 JPY or more.
  Please bear the actual cost for shipping charges outside Japan.

As each piece is handcrafted, minor imperfections may be present.
While we make every effort to disclose such details through text and images whenever possible, some may not be shown. We appreciate your kind understanding.