Birds and Trees Misty Mountain Japanese Flower Vase

This round vase depicts two birds of prey gliding across a mist-covered mountain landscape. Finely detailed winter trees in black, blue, and gold rise from the foreground, while softly layered washes of green and gold suggest drifting fog and distant peaks. The matte gold pigment creates a velvety surface that lends the scene additional depth and warmth.

Measuring 16.5 cm (6.5 in) in height, this vase offers ample capacity for several stems, fuller branches, or a generously sized bouquet. Its rounded shape allows larger blooms to fan out naturally, creating a beautiful arrangement from every angle. Beyond floral displays, it also serves as an elegant decorative accent on a shelf, mantel, or tabletop.

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.