12.2cmx8.5cm
 
When a piece carries the legacy of two generations of ceramic mastery, something extraordinary happens. This isn't merely a sake bottle—it's a crystallisation of Japanese celadon tradition, created by Muromatchi Katsuhiro under the tutelage of the legendary Tamura Koichi, a Living National Treasure whose name resonates through the halls of Japan's most prestigious ceramic collections.
Acquired from a discerning collector who recognised its significance, this 1990s work represents the pinnacle of contemporary celadon artistry. The pale blue-green glaze flows like morning mist over the bottle's elegant form, while delicate inlaid patterns emerge from beneath the surface like secrets whispered through centuries. Measuring 12.2cm in height, this tokkuri embodies the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi—finding profound beauty in understated perfection.
The celadon tradition traces its roots to Song Dynasty China, yet Japanese artisans like Tamura Koichi transformed it into something uniquely their own. His student, Muromatchi Katsuhiro, carries forward this precious knowledge with reverence and innovation. The subtle colour variations across the glaze surface—from deepest jade to palest seafoam—occur naturally during the reduction firing process, making each piece utterly unique.
In European contemporary interiors, this piece becomes a bridge between East and West. Picture it gracing a minimalist sideboard in a London townhouse, or displayed in a Parisian apartment's carefully curated collection. The bottle's clean lines complement Scandinavian design principles, while its ancient techniques add layers of cultural depth that modern reproductions simply cannot match.
The condition remains pristine, housed in its original tomobako (wooden box) with the artist's inscription—a certificate of authenticity that serious collectors demand. The accompanying leaflet provides provenance documentation, crucial for insurance and future estate planning. Under close examination, the glaze shows no crazing, chips, or restoration—remarkable for a piece of this age and artistic significance.
This represents one of fewer than fifty documented works by Muromatchi bearing his master's influence so clearly. Similar pieces have found homes in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Victoria & Albert Museum's Asian ceramics collection. When such pieces appear at international auction houses, they command significant attention from collectors who understand their cultural importance.
For those who appreciate the intersection of tradition and innovation, who understand that true luxury lies not in ostentation but in the mastery of ancient crafts, this bottle awaits your consideration.