Kiyoshi Ino's work is especially concerned with glaze qualities and in Vase the crackled effect replicates that achieved by ancient Chinese methods. The white glaze shrinks slightly more than the body during the firing process, contracting to leave a network of fine cracks in the glaze. Through handling over the centuries, dirt works its way into these cracks, emphasising the pattern. In modern times, however, this effect has been expedited by dipping works into Indian ink – a process used on this vase.