8cm high x 6cm width
 
What if you could hold geological time in your hands—millennia of tectonic pressure, erosion, and transformation compressed into a single graspable form? This globular vase by Masami Kobayashi achieves that remarkable compression, its emerald greens transitioning to chocolate browns, bold metallic gold inlays suggesting geological strata or landscape contours viewed from impossible heights.
The form commands immediate attention: a substantial globular body tapering to a small circular opening, proportions suggesting natural seed pods or weather-worn stones. The surface texture distinguishes this piece from Kobayashi's smoother works—angular facets and deliberate irregularities create tactile complexity, catching light from multiple angles and creating ever-shifting visual interest. This isn't accidental roughness but carefully controlled surface manipulation, each facet intentionally placed to enhance the overall composition.
The glaze work demonstrates extraordinary technical ambition. Rich emerald greens—achieved through copper oxide reduction firing—dominate portions of the surface, their intensity suggesting jade or malachite. These transition dramatically into warm chocolate browns and subtle taupes, the colour boundaries following the surface's angular topography. The textured surface causes glaze to pool and thin differentially, creating natural variation in colour intensity and adding depth to the overall palette. Achieving vibrant emerald without veering into garish brightness requires precise control of copper oxide percentage, firing temperature, and kiln atmosphere—variables Kobayashi has spent decades mastering.
But the piece's most striking feature is the bold metallic gold inlay work suggesting geological or topographical patterns. Unlike the delicate tree branches characteristic of other pieces in this collection, here Kobayashi employs broader, more angular patterns reminiscent of landscape contours on topographical maps, geological fault lines, or aerial views of mountain ranges. The gold inlay—likely achieved through metallic lustre compounds applied and re-fired—catches light dramatically, creating visual punch that commands attention across rooms.
The textured, angular surface treatment combined with bold metallic accents gives this piece a more contemporary, almost abstract character compared to the naturalistic tree motifs dominating Kobayashi's other work. It speaks to collectors drawn to geological aesthetics, abstract expressionism, or the intersection between natural processes and human artistic interpretation.
Masami Kobayashi's career demonstrates remarkable range while maintaining consistent excellence. Born in Hokkaido in 1952 and trained under Kouji Nakano beginning in 1972, he established himself as one of Kasama's most internationally recognised artists through major prizes including the 1982 International Ceramic Exhibition Gold Prize and consecutive Kita-Kanto Ceramic Exhibition Grand Prizes. His 2001 Barcelona Batlló House Grand Prize confirmed his work resonates across cultural boundaries.
For European collectors, particularly those favouring bold contemporary ceramics over subtle traditional forms, this piece presents compelling acquisition. The emerald green reads as sophisticated rather than garish, working beautifully against both light and dark backgrounds. The substantial form and bold surface treatment ensure it holds its own in large spaces without disappearing into surrounding décor.
Position this vase on a dark wood credenza, and the emerald green seems to glow against rich brown tones. Place it against white walls in a minimalist gallery-like space, and it becomes a jewel-like focal point. The globular form and small opening mean it functions best as sculptural object rather than flower vessel, though a single dramatic stem could work compositionally.