TOKUDA YASOKICHI III (MASAHIKO, 1933-2009) Gleaming Colors Large Orb Vase Heisei era (1989-2019), 1995Important works of art from an American private collectionTOKUDA YASOKICHI III (MASAHIKO, 1933-2009)Gleaming Colors Large Orb Vase Heisei era (1989-2019), 1995The almost spherical porcelain body with a short, very slender cylindrical neck, the deep blue-black glaze lightening to paler blue on the neck and around the slightly raised circumferential ridge, signed on the base Yasokichi saku (Made by Yasokichi)Wood tomobako storage box inscribed Shinkō yōsai tsubo (Deep Gleaming Colors Jar), and signed and sealed Kutani Yasokichi (Yasokichi of Kutani) 12 5/8in (32cm) highDesignated a Living National Treasure in 1997, the third Tokuda Yasokichi was celebrated for his success in expanding the range of colors used within the family lineage and applying it to a style of decoration characterized by delicate shading and beautiful color contrasts rather than traditional patterning floral or figural patterning.