601-KTY-YM-01 Living National Treasure – Yoshita Minori Kutani Ware “Yūri Kinsai” (Underglaze Gold Decoration) Flower Vase / Decorative Jar “Tsuru-guchi Fuyō”, Size 9 JAC-BNS-601-KTY-YM-01

“Yūri Kinsai” is one of the most advanced decorative techniques in Kutani ware, in which gold decoration is applied beneath the glaze and then fired, making it an exceptionally demanding and highly sophisticated process.
In conventional gold decoration, gold is applied over the glaze after firing. In contrast, Yūri Kinsai involves painting the design directly onto the clay body, covering it with a transparent glaze, and then firing it at high temperatures. As a result, the gold decoration becomes sealed within the glaze layer itself.
Through this process, the gold does not appear directly on the surface, but instead emits a profound, layered brilliance and a soft, refined luster imbued with remarkable depth.
Its expression subtly changes depending on the angle of light and the viewer’s perspective, offering rich visual variation and an exceptional sense of artistic sophistication.
At the same time, even the slightest adjustments in firing temperature and oxidation–reduction balance can dramatically affect the outcome, resulting in an extremely low success rate. For this reason, extraordinary technical mastery and many years of experience are indispensable.
Due to these formidable challenges, the technique of Yūri Kinsai had long been lost. It was revived and perfected in modern times by Living National Treasure, Yoshida Minori, and is now highly acclaimed as one of the supreme decorative techniques representing Kutani ware.
A harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, Yūri Kinsai embodies the very essence of Japanese ceramic artistry, standing as a truly sublime decorative art.

Yoshida Minori is a master ceramic artist renowned for reviving and elevating to its highest level the traditional Kutani ware technique of “Yūri Kinsai” (underglaze gold decoration). In 1997, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for this exceptional technique.
Yūri Kinsai is an extraordinarily demanding technique in which gold decoration is applied beneath the glaze and fired at high temperatures. Long thought to have been lost, this method was revived and perfected through Yoshida’s tireless experimentation and decades of dedicated research, opening a new expressive realm within the tradition of Kutani ware.
His works are distinguished by exquisitely delicate line work, meticulously calculated compositions, and a profound, dignified golden radiance that emanates from within the glaze layer. While deeply rooted in tradition, his creations embody a refined modern sensibility and elegance, establishing a truly unparalleled aesthetic world.
Highly acclaimed both in Japan and internationally, his works are held in numerous museum collections. In recognition of his outstanding cultural contributions, he has also been honored as a Person of Cultural Merit—one of Japan’s highest distinctions—continuing to command deep respect as a leading figure in contemporary Japanese ceramic art.

Brief Biography – Living National Treasure, Yoshida Minori The founder of Kinzan Kiln, the first-generation Shōsaku, apprenticed in 1900 under Kutani ware ceramic artist Tanaka Reizan, where he mastered the art of pottery making. In 1906, he became independent and established his own kiln, adopting the artist name Kinzan. He subsequently refined gold decoration techniques and perfected Nishiki-e Tōga, a richly decorative style of overglaze porcelain painting. His works were exhibited extensively at expositions, craft exhibitions, and industrial fairs, receiving numerous awards. From this time onward, his workshop became known as Kinzan Kiln.
The second generation, Seiichi, inherited the artistic style of the founder while also incorporating techniques of Ao-Kutani (blue Kutani). His works were widely accepted and awarded at various art and craft exhibitions.

Career Highlights & Major Awards
1951 – Succeeded the Kinzan Kiln.
1963 – Awarded the Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture Prize at the 2nd Kutani Ware New Works Exhibition.
1967 – Awarded the Chairman of the Prefectural Assembly Prize at the Kutani Ware New Works Exhibition.
1970 – Selected by Ishikawa Prefecture to exhibit a large Hyakunin Isshu vase at Expo ’70 in Osaka (Japan World Exposition).
1972 – Awarded the Kanazawa Mayor’s Prize at the Ishikawa Design Exhibition.
1974 – Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
1976 – Awarded at the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition.
1978 – Awarded the Issuikai Prize at the Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition.
1979 – An underglaze gold-decorated bowl acquired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; selected for exhibition at the Faenza International Ceramic Competition (Italy).
1980 – Awarded the Excellence Prize at the 3rd Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition; recipient of the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition Award.
1982 – Awarded the Excellence Prize at the 5th Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition; received the Issuikai Members’ Excellence Award.
1984 – Awarded at the Chunichi International Ceramic Art Exhibition; received the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
1985 – Awarded again at the Chunichi International Ceramic Art Exhibition.
1986 – Held a solo exhibition at the Nomura Art Museum, Nanzenji, Kyoto.
1987 – Held a solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Takashimaya, Tokyo.
1989 – Awarded the Excellence Prize at the 12th Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition.
1990 – Awarded the Excellence Prize at the 13th Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition.
1991 – Held a solo exhibition at Wako Hall, Ginza, Tokyo.
1992 – Awarded the Excellence Prize at the 15th Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition; received the Prince Takamatsu Memorial Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition; designated as a Technique Holder by the Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani Ware Intangible Cultural Property Preservation Society.
1993 – Held a solo exhibition at Wako Hall, Ginza; an underglaze gold-decorated bowl selected for permanent collection by the Smithsonian Institution’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C.
1994 – Held a solo exhibition at Yokohama Takashimaya.
1995 – Awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Prize; served as Judge at the 42nd Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
1997 – Held a solo exhibition at Wako Hall, Ginza; awarded at the International Polychrome Porcelain Fair ’97.
1998 – Held a solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo.
2000 – Served as Judge at the 47th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition; received the Holder’s Award at the same exhibition.
2001 – Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon; held a solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi; designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Yūri Kinsai (Underglaze Gold Decoration); received the Hokkoku Culture Award and Ishikawa Prefectural Cultural Merit Award.
2002 – Awarded the Komatsu City Cultural Prize.
2003 – Awarded the 26th Ishikawa Television Prize.

This is a work created using the traditional Kutani ware technique of “Yūri Kinsai” (underglaze gold decoration), a method revived and perfected in modern times by Living National Treasure, Yoshida Minori.
On the gracefully flowing curves of the “Tsuru-guchi” (crane-spout) form, delicate yet bold depictions of hibiscus flowers—symbols of purity and dignified beauty—are rendered with exceptional refinement. The softly elongated silhouette and elegant brushwork together create a harmonious balance of strength and grace, resulting in a truly distinguished piece.

About the size designation:
The traditional Japanese unit “gō” indicates the approximate size, with one gō corresponding to about 3 cm. This piece is sized at 9 gō, giving it a height of approximately 26.5 cm (10.4 inches).

*Comes with a signed paulownia wood box (with traditional Sanada-himo cord) and a display plaque bearing the artist’s seal.

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 – Yoshida Minori Kutani Ware “Yūri Kinsai” (Underglaze Gold Decoration) Flower Vase / Decorative Jar “Tsuru-guchi Fuyō”, Size 9
  Product No.：JAC-BNS-601-KTY-YM-01
  Size：Work / Φ125 ㎜ × Height 265 ㎜、Paulownia Box / 155 ㎜ × 155 ㎜ × Height 315 ㎜
  Weight：Work / 900 g（Include Box / About 1,700 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.