14.5cm highx7.5cm width
 
What if you could capture a complete day's light cycle in a single vertical object—morning's golden promise transitioning through afternoon warmth into twilight's charcoal depths? This tall cylindrical vase by Masami Kobayashi attempts that temporal compression, its surface moving through warm mustard, rust reds, and deep charcoal like a time-lapse photograph rendered in ceramic form.
The form demonstrates Kobayashi's sophisticated manipulation of cylinder variations.The vessel maintains relatively straight walls with subtle organic undulation—enough irregularity to prove hand-building without compromising structural elegance. The rounded shoulder transition and gentle taper toward the rim create compositional flow guiding the eye upward through the piece's dramatic colour journey.
The glaze treatment here represents Kobayashi at his most painterly and atmospheric. Warm mustard and golden yellows dominate the upper reaches, suggesting sunrise or wheat fields under afternoon sun. These transition through rust reds and burnt oranges in the middle register—colours evoking autumn leaves, iron oxide deposits, or sunset clouds. The lower body settles into deep charcoal greys approaching black, grounding the composition and providing tonal anchor. The gradations flow smoothly, colours bleeding into one another with watercolour-like subtlety rather than harsh boundaries.
What distinguishes this particular piece is the crystalline or stippled texture dominating the lower body—a surface quality suggesting volcanic rock, weathered metal, or mineral deposits. This textured zone, appearing in lighter tones against the dark ground, creates visual weight at the base while providing crucial textural contrast to the smooth upper body. The effect suggests geological processes—oxidation, crystallisation, erosion—giving the piece tangible connection to natural material transformations.
Kobayashi's mishima-inspired inlay work appears here in more subtle, integrated form—delicate linear patterns tracing across various surface regions, their placement creating visual rhythm without overwhelming the dramatic colour composition. These patterns suggest organic growth or natural forces, giving structure to the colour fields and preventing the piece from reading as merely decorative colour study.
The technical challenges in producing such a piece are formidable. Achieving smooth colour gradations across vertical surfaces requires understanding how gravity affects molten glaze flow during firing. The crystalline or textured lower body likely results from specific glaze chemistry combined with controlled cooling rates—certain glaze formulas form surface crystals when cooled slowly through particular temperature ranges. Kobayashi manipulates these variables with decades of accumulated experience, producing effects that appear spontaneous but result from precise technical control.
The dramatic colour palette—warm yellows through rust reds to deep charcoal—creates immediate visual impact while remaining sophisticated rather than garish. These colours reference natural phenomena—sunrise, sunset, geological strata—giving the piece narrative depth beyond pure aesthetics. The vertical format naturally suggests temporal progression, inviting interpretation as time passing, seasons changing, or light transforming through daily cycles.
Born in Hokkaido in 1952 and trained under Kouji Nakano, Masami Kobayashi has spent five decades developing his distinctive landscape-inspired approach. His extensive prize collection—including the 1982 International Ceramic Exhibition Gold Prize, multiple Kita-Kanto Ceramic Exhibition Grand Prizes, and the 2001 Barcelona Batlló House Grand Prize—establishes him among Kasama's international representatives. His work appears in private collections throughout Japan and increasingly in European holdings.
For European collectors drawn to bold contemporary ceramics with natural references, this piece offers compelling acquisition. The warm colour palette works beautifully in spaces with natural materials—wood, leather, stone—where it creates harmonious dialogue. Position this vase against white walls, and it becomes dramatic vertical colour study. Place it on dark surfaces, and the lighter upper tones provide striking contrast.
The tall, narrow form naturally suggests vertical floral arrangements—imagine dried grasses, wheat stalks, or minimalist branches echoing the warm colour palette—though the artistic merit alone justifies display empty. The textured lower body adds tactile interest, inviting closer examination and revealing details not apparent from distance.
Condition remains excellent: no chips, cracks, or restoration. The crystalline textured areas remain intact and stable, showing no flaking or loss. The glaze colours retain full vibrancy throughout the dramatic gradation. The foot sits flat and stable, ensuring secure display.