24.1cmx13cn
 
Dated 1985 and arriving with full documentation, this substantial jar by Saeki Morimi represents the artist at the height of his creative powers, when decades of technical mastery allowed him to achieve effects that seem almost magical in their complexity and beauty.
Created during what many consider Saeki's golden period, this piece showcases his revolutionary neriage inlay technique at its most sophisticated. The tree pattern (jumoku-mon) emerges from the careful layering of different coloured clays, creating an image that seems to grow organically from the ceramic matrix itself. The 1985 date places this work within the period when Saeki had perfected his technique but was still actively pushing its boundaries.
The jar's generous proportions and complex surface decoration mark it as a significant work rather than a casual study. Tree motifs hold deep significance in Japanese culture, representing longevity, growth, and the connection between earth and sky - themes that resonate with ceramic art's transformation of earth through fire. Saeki's interpretation transforms these ancient symbols into contemporary artistic language.
The neriage process requires extraordinary planning and skill. Different coloured clays must be prepared to identical consistency, layered according to a predetermined pattern, then formed while maintaining the integrity of the design. A single miscalculation can destroy months of preparation, making successful pieces like this jar genuine achievements of both artistic vision and technical mastery.
The original box, artist's seal, and documentation establish impeccable provenance while providing insight into Saeki's working methods and aesthetic philosophy. Such complete documentation has become increasingly rare and valuable as the artist's reputation continues to grow internationally.