This was a gift. I opened it and repacked it. It's a wonderful piece that can be admired, but the size is not suitable for my home, so I'm putting it up for sale. About Bizen Porcelain (from the artist's website): Kazuya Ishida, a Bizen-yaki artist, uses porcelain raw materials mined in Bizen City. He digs up the materials himself and creates his works, entering a new realm. The natural porcelain stone before refinement contains many minerals, which are called "ishi-aji" (stone flavor) and are a characteristic of Bizen porcelain works. After graduating from high school, Ishida has spent about 20 years carrying on the tradition of Bizen-yaki, constantly creating works and engaging in artistic activities that only he can do. He is now challenging himself with a new form of expression. Utilizing all the traditions and experiences he has cultivated through his work with Bizen-yaki, he is moving towards an unprecedented challenge through his Bizen porcelain works.