Vase in a swelling baluster form, ornamented on the sides with relief modernist roundels containing geometrics, pinwheels, star motifs, and stylized florals inside of abstract whirlpools. Of porcelain carved in relief and then fired with a pale, celadon green crackled glaze. Signed on the reverse by the artist with an incised signature: Shotaro (Kiyomizu Rokubei VI, the family title of Kiyomizu Shotaro, 1901 – 1980). With the original, carved rosewood, fitted display stand. Early Showa era, circa 1925 – 1945.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Seiji Mon Kabin or Celadon Vase (with) Crest (Motifs); and then on the lower left signed: Shotaro Saku or Made by Shotaro, and sealed.

Kiyomizu Shotaro was the eldest son of Kiyomizu Rokubei V. He studied at the Kyoto City School of Art and Craft and the Kyoto Municipal College of painting. After graduation in 1925, he apprenticed under his father. From 1925 until his father’s retirement and his accession to the family title in 1945, he used the signature: Shotaro. His first entry into exhibitions came in 1925 as well. His work garnered awards at the Teiten, Shin-Bunten and after the Pacific War at the Nitten. In 1962 he was made a member of the Japan Art Academy and in 1976 awarded the Order of Cultural Merit.