Ito Kei (b. 1924)
A celadon porcelain incense burner of rounded shape, supported on three pointed feet, with a small lid surmounted by a straight, openwork finial. The sides moulded with orchids. With original inscribed wood storage box.
(Brûle-encens en porcelaine céladon reposant sur trois petits pieds, portant un délicat décor moulé représentant des orchidées. Accompagné de sa boîte en bois originale.)
Signed Kei on the base
Showa era, second half of the 20th century
Height 13.5 cm, Diameter 10.2 cm
Price £1,100
Born in 1924, Ito Kei is the eldest son of the Nitten councillor Ito Suiko. After graduating from Kyoto Municipal Arts and Crafts School in 1944, he graduated from the Kyoto Municipal Painting College. In 1943 his pieces were selected for the first time at the Bunten exhibition and then several time at the Nitten exhibition. He was awarded the prize of the Contemporary Japan Crafts Exhibition in 1965, and the Minister of Education Award in 1989. Celebrated for his white porcelains and celadon pieces, his work became highly valued in Japan and abroad.