Modern Japanese Ceramics Pottery Contemporary
By Appointment is best. You might get lucky just popping by, but a great deal of the month I am out visiting artists or scouring up new items, so days in the gallery are limited.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Stoneware : Pre 1980 item #1481527
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An exquisite vase covered in rivulets of blue, yellow and green on a slightly flattened bottle form by Kiyomizu Rokubei VI enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The turned form has been slightly flattened creating four rounded sides, the resulting shape reminiscent of traditional Edo period green-glass bottles. Wide bands of blue mark th corners, with a narrow streak like a waterfall cascading between the ocher and jade on the sides. The vase is 30 cm (12 inches) tall, 16 cm (6 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Rokubei VI (Shotaro, 1901-1980) graduated from the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts (Kyoto Shiritsu Bijutsu Kogei Gakko) and then Kyoto Municipal Special School of Painting (Kyoto Shiritsu E-ga Senmon Gakko) before taking a position under his father in 1925. That same year, he entered his first competition. Early on he was not limited to pottery, but worked in metal, sculpture and glass as well, absorbing aspects of modernism and the arts and crafts movement into his oeuvre. His career was to be marked by success in exhibitions including numerous awards at the aforementioned government sponsored Bunten/Teiten/Nitten National exhibitions and would later serve as a judge there. He enjoyed international acclaim, showing pieces at exhibitions, having his works join museum collections and winning awards in Belgium, the USSR, France and Italy. He did much to cultivate the arts and young artists in the post war years, taking full advantage of his position as a star to promote both traditional and avant-garde approaches. He would be appointed a member of the Japan Art Academy in 1962 and awarded the Order of Cultural Merit in 1976. So dedicated was he, in fact, he died in 1980 after collapsing at an exhibition celebrating the Kiyomizu family's history. A multitude of works by him are held in the The National Museums of Modern Art, both in Tokyo and Kyoto.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1487371 (stock #MC654)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
$1,300.00
Sale Pending
A quintessential work by Sodeisha founding member Yamada Hikaru enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shirogesho Tetsu-e Tsubo (Tsubo with Iron Decoration on White Glaze). It is 214 cm (8 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Yamada Hikaru (1924-2001), was born into the family of layman potter and priest Yamada Tetsu, and raised in Gifu after the family home was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake. At the age of 20 he entered the Kyoto ceramics research facility, 15 years junior to those who had inspired the great Mingei movement at that same institution. Somehow escaping overseas service in the war, he met Yagi Kazuo in 1945, and the two formed an instant bond, founding a group for young potters the following year. Compounded by the austerity and poverty they faced as young artists in the immediate postwar, the group grew and along with Kumakura Junkichi, Suzuki Osamu and Yagi Kazuo formed the most influential post war ceramics organization, Sodeisha, as it was, in 1948. They eschewed public competition and espoused the ideas of art for arts sake, negating the ideas of the mingei movement, which stressed function over form. Together, members of the group worked tirelessly to promote modern Japanese pottery for the next several decades both within and outside of Japan. Held in innumerable public and private collections including the National Museum of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto, Museum of New South Wales and the Victoria Albert.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1488802
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A large work of overlapping strips of sheer porcelain by the demanding young female artist Lu Xueyun enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vessel is made up of overlapping strips of thin porcelain, so thin in fact that light passes easily through it. Her works are truly exquisite, captivating in their frailty. I have been following the artist (known in Japan by the Japanese reading of her name, Ro-san) for nearly 5 years and waiting for the opportunity to introduce her to the outer world. This is 29.5 x 31.5 x 19 cm (roughly 1 foot diameter x 7-3/4 inches tall) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist
Lu Xueyun was born in Chongqing, China in 1987 and graduated the SiChuan International Studies University in 2010, before taking a position in a Chinese company overseas division. Unsatisfied with corporate life, she enrolled in the Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto, Ceramics Course graduating in 2019, then did two years study at the Ishoken Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center. While there she took part in several juried and group exhibitions, but this is the first time her works have been shown to an international audience.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1488835
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A long low basin by Lu Xueyen in translucent white porcelain enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Enfolding II. It is 21.5 x 38 x 15 cm (8-1/2 x 15 x 6 inches) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
I have been following the diaphanous works of Lu Xueyun (known in Japan by the Japanese reading of her name, Ro-san) for nearly 5 years and waiting for the opportunity to introduce her to the outer world.
Lu Xueyun was born in Chongqing, China in 1987 and graduated the SiChuan International Studies University in 2010, before taking a position in a Chinese company overseas division. Unsatisfied with corporate life, she enrolled in the Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto, Ceramics Course graduating in 2019, then did two years study at the Ishoken Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center. While there she took part in several juried and group exhibitions, but this is the first time her works have been shown to an international audience.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Sculptural : Contemporary item #1357568 (stock #1115)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An incredible organic form, the delicate petals appearing to waft in some tide by Shingu Sayaka enclosed in the original signed wooden box. A closed bud on the side is lined with hundreds of tiny sharp needles in black. It is 8 x 5 x 4 inches (20 x 12 x 10 cm) and in excellent condition.
Shingu Sayaka was born in Osaka, the industrial and commercial heartland of central Japan, in 1979. She graduated the Osaka University of Arts in 2001, before being selected as an artist in residence at the The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. She exhibits her amazing sculptures at the Asahi Togeiten where she has garnered a number of awards, and has a list of exhibitions to back up her popularity.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Bowls : Pre 2000 item #1367434 (stock #1138)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Five for silver… Six for gold… Seven for the secret….Suzuki Goro is counting crows surrounding the epitaph in the center of this Kuro-Shino Kataguchi bowl enclosed in the original signed wooden box. In the center we hear the words of Noguchi Ujo’s 1921 hit song “Karasu naze naku no? Karasu ha yama ni kawai nanatsu no ko ga aru kara yo…” (Why does the crow call? It calls for seven lovely children in the mountains…). As with everything there are many allusions in the lyrics, and much is either implied or left unsaid. ‘Seven children is a simple euphemism for many. The relaxed form is very much a product of this vivacious artist, whose lust for life is apparent in all he creates. The subject manner is yet quite unusual and striking for its audacity. The bowl is 13 inches (33 cm) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Suzuki Goro has a list of shows and prizes too lengthy to go through, but the highlights are, Nitten National Art Exhibition, Nihon Shin Kogei Ten (New National Crafts Exhibition), Nihon Gendai Kogei Ten (National Modern Crafts Exhibition), Asahi Togei Ten-(First of Show and governors prize), as well as the Kofukai Ten among many others. He has a strong and devout following both domestic and international.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Sculptural : Contemporary item #1402607 (stock #1334)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An organic form like some wavering anemone built from tiny curls of rolled ceramic bound together with slip by female artist Furui Akiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sou Katachi (Following the shape) dating from 2017. It is built of hundreds of rolled sheafs of shaved clay covered in a white slip and fused together. The amount of work which goes into each sculpture is obvious, making her work great value. It is 12-1/2 inches (32 cm) long and in new condition.
Furui Akiko is yet one of our youngest rising stars, she was born in Aichi prefecture in 1987. She graduated the Aichi University of Education in 2010, and had her first pieces exhibited both in and out of Japan that same year. She has since been featured in a number of events both domestic and abroad. A rising star in the Sculptural Ceramics World, get her work while you can!.
All Items : Artists : Glass : Contemporary item #1429021 (stock #1540)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A minor divergence into one of the other plastic arts, here a silver flecked image of a carp made as a hanging vase by the iconic Kuroki Kuniaki accompanied by a signed wooden placard. It is 28 x 19 x 14 cm (11 x 7-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Kuroki Kuniaki was born in Miyazaki prefecture in 1945. He began his career employed straight out of school by the Yamaya Glass Company in 1963. It would only be a decade later that he would venture out on his own, to begin creating unique works of glass art. Yet another ten years would pass before he went fully independent in 1984. He began with a project to revitalize Edo style Cut glass (Satsuma Kiriko), and established his workshop in 1989. He was awarded the National Order of Excellence for modern craft in 1991 and began to garner attention overseas. He was awarded in Paris in 1995, Rome in 1996 and Athens in 1997. Since he has been exhibited widely throughout Japan, as well as the US, Singapore, Throughout Europe, Taiwan, Australia among many others. His works have been collected by the Imperial Household Agency and the Royal Family. They are held in the collection of Philadelphia, Denmark Glass Museum, Peking Palace Museum and Kitazawa Museum among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Contemporary item #1442751 (stock #1685)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Gold drizzles down the rough textured sides of this steep Tsutsu-chawan tea bowl by Ichikawa Toru enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The gold shines brilliantly on the rough textured clay, alternating with patches of earthy orange and pale cream. It has the WOW! Factor in triplicate. Slightly oblong, it is roughly 11 cm (4-1/2 inches) diameter 9.5 cm (3-3/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Ichikawa Toru was born in Tokyo in 1973. In 2015 he established his current studio in Bizen after 4 years of apprenticeship under another Bizen Outsider, Kakurezaki Ryuichi. He has since developed quite a following, with his shows selling out often within hours.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Bowls : Pre 2000 item #1445065 (stock #1729)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Ash fills the embedded patterns on this Kiln-altered Tsutsu-gata bowl by Living National Treasure Shimaoka Tatsuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen Zogan Jomon Wan. Crisp black charring and the various depths of ash are a bit of a departure for this artist whose work is often sedate, relying on the texture and patterns of the Jomon rope design over dependence on colorful glazes. It is 11 cm (4-1/2 inches) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Shimaoka Tatsuzo (1919-2007) was born in Tokyo and enrolled in the Tokyo Kogei Daigaku Ceramics division in 1939. The following year he would meet Mashiko Mingei potter Hamada Shoji, and the course of his life was thought set, graduating in 1941. However he was drafted in 1942, and sent to Burma where he would remain until repatriation after the cessation of hostilities. In 1946 Tatsuzo apprenticed under Hamada who encouraged him to find his own voice, which he did when in 1950 took part in research into ancient Jomon potteries with Shirasaki Shunji, which would have a profound influence on his style. Working with Jomon rope patterns, Tatsuzo set out to create a style unique to himself, establishing his own kiln in 1954. Widely exhibited, awarded and influential in his lifetime, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Gold award in 1994, one of the highest honors for a Japanese ceramic artist, and was designated a Living National Treasure (Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Ningenkokuho) in 1996 culminating with receiving the Order of the Rising Sun in 1999.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1452150 (stock #1809)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A proud Shino bowl licked by flame by legendary artist Hori Ichiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shino Chawan. Red tendrils leap up the deeply fissured white glaze. The bowl is hefty yet comfortable to hold, perfectly formed with slightly tapering sides and a wavy rim. It is 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Hori Ichiro (b. 1952) graduated the Tajimi School of Industrial Design and apprenticed under Kato Kozo. He has been awarded the Governors prize at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, and has been displayed at the Chunichi Kokusai Togei Ten as well as Nihon Dento Kogei Ten. He says, “I believe in making pottery which is born of nature…”
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1452487 (stock #1814)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Wow, this Iga Shinogi Mizusashi by Atarashi Manabu is as good as it gets. The torn and slabbed surface is rough, accentuating the particular grains of Iga clay, covered in a smattering of smokey charring and spattered ash. The vessel comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Shinogi Mizusashi. It is 17.5 cm (7 inches) diameter, 20 cm (8 inches) tall and in perfect condition, directly from the artist this summer. It compliments perfectly the Chawan from the same firing.
Atarashi Manabu has been growing in popularity as one of the leaders in the Iga pottery tradition since the first time I saw his work nearly 20 years ago when visiting the family showroom in Iga village. Born in 1973 in Osaka son of the second generation artist and one of the leading revivalists of the Iga tradition in post war Japan, Atarashi Kanji. He graduated the literature department of Kansai University in 1995, moving to apprentice under his father a few years later. In 2002 he built his first anagama Kiln, and held his first of a multitude of solo exhibitions. Intensely fired multiple times to achieve the bidoro glass puddles and landscape effects which define his aesthetic, the geometric works add a contemporary sensibility to the traditional Iga style and transcend the realm of utilitarian crafts breaking into the sculptural domain. His work has proven innovative and challenging to the norm, taking his fathers tradition into the 21st century.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 1980 item #1464555 (stock #1944)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A rare early form, the crawling Shino glaze covered in rich rust red with autumn grass in white silhouette by Mino pottery legend Suzuki Osamu (Kura) enclosed in the original wooden box signed on the side and titled Shino Hanaike on the lid. It is 26 cm (10-1/4 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
Suzuki Osamu was born in Gifu prefecture in 1934, and graduated the Tajimi Technical School ceramics division in 1953. (not to be confused with avant garde potter Suzuki Osamu of Kyoto Sodeisha fame) That same year he was awarded at the 6th Dento Kogeiten Traditional Crafts Exhibition. One of the great researchers, he spent many years excavating old kiln sites in an effort to re-invent Shino ware. In 1962 he was exhibited in Prague. And the next year took a prize at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition. Very much lauded at this time, it culminated in 1969 when he received the JCS Gold award (Japan Ceramic Society), one of the highest honors for a Japanese potter. He would receive the JCS award again in 1982, and by that point be nurturing or inspiring a number of young potters aspiring to the forgotten ways of Shino ware. He was named a Living National Treasure in 1994 for his life-work. Work by him is held in a multitude of public collections throughout the world. For more see “Japanese Studio Crafts, Tradition and the Avant-Garde” (1995) by R. Faulkner.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Sculptural : Contemporary item #1470038 (stock #MC073)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A matte-glazed sculptural stoneware form by contemporary female artist Tanaka Yu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Tsutusmi-mono 2020. The piece is made to look like a cloth sack. It is an unusual lavender color, quite pleasing and no one can resist touching it. The sculpture is 20 x 12 x 21 cm (Roughly 5 x 8 x 8 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Tanaka Yu was born in 1989, and graduated the Kyoto Saga University of Arts in 2013. Like many other of the younger generation of artists, she tends toward smaller venues than the large affiliated shows. She first garnered attention in Japan being awarded at the 49th Women's Association of Ceramic Art, Grand Prize (Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art) in 2015. This year she was one of six finalists featured at the prestigious Paramita Museum Grand Prize Ceramic Exhibition. Her work has been presented in galleries around the world.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Pre 2000 item #1481085
Modern Japanese Ceramics
$1,350.00
Sale Pending
A large deep bowl decorated in abstract underglaze blue imagery by Shibata Ryozo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sometsuke Hachi and dating circa 1995. It is 35 cm (14 inches) diameter, 25.5 cm (10 inches) deep and in excellent condition.
Shibata Ryozo (b. 1952) completed advanced studies at the Kyoto Municipal University of Arts in 1978 (his work was purchased by the university the previous year for its permanent collection). In 1993 he first exhibited with the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten National Traditional Crafts Association, and in 94 was awarded at the Izushi Porcelain Trienial in Hyogo. After that he concentrated more on the Kansai area, and has been awarded at the Kyoto Bijutsu Kogeiten (97), Kyoto Kogei Bijutsu Sakka Kyokai Ten (98), Seto Sometsuke Exhibition (99) and Osaka Crafts Exhibition on multiple occasions. He has been a guest speaker at the University of Michigan in 2005, and artist in residence in Campbell Australia in 2006. Just this year his work was selected for exhibition in Boston at the Society of Arts and Crafts. In 2014 his work was collected by the Imperial household agency, and he is held in the collections of Kyoto City and Toyooka City Museums among others.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1980 item #1482763
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An elegant celadon receptacle with custom made black lacquered lid by important female potter Suwa Sozan II titled Seiji Mizusashi and enclosed in a wooden box annotated by the third generation head of the family. The Taru shape (a traditional bound shallow wood bucket) is surmounted at the rim with lily pads upon which rests a tiny frog. In the center of the base is her circular stamp. It is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) diameter, 12 cm (5 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Suwa Sozan (1852-1922) was born in Kutani country, present day Ishikawa prefecture, where he initially studied before moving to Tokyo in 1875. Over the next 25 years he would gravitate between Tokyo and Kanazawa, working at various kilns and research facilities. He again relocated, this time to Kyoto in 1900 to manage the Kinkozan Studio. His name became synonymous with celadon and refined porcelain. He was succeeded by his adopted daughter upon his death. He is held in the Kyoto National Museum among many others. Sozan Torako (Suwa Sozan II 1890–1977) was born in Kanazawa in 1890, and was soon adopted by her uncle, Suwa Sozan I. Her ceramics resemble those of Sozan I, but are considered to be more graceful and feminine. Torako assumed the family name upon her uncles death in 1922. She is held in the collection of the Imperial Household Agency among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1368238 (stock #1150)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you!
A tall squared vase inlayed with the silhouette of trees against the evening sky by Saeki Moriyoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Zogan Jumoku Moyo Kabin and dated 1991. This artists fascination with trees against the sky is inspiring. He has chosen to imbue his works with memories of the perfect sunset, with an autumn morning or late afternoon in winter. This piece is quite large, 18 inches (45.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Saeki Moriyoshi was born into the household of sculptor Saeki Rusuo in Utsunomiya city in 1949 and attended the Musashino University of Art Design department before moving into the Tokyo University of Fine Art: Crafts Division. He was first exhibited and awarded at the 1974 Ibaraki Prefectural Art Festival, and his graduation project would receive the Salon de Plantain award the next year. As well he would be accepted in the 15th Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition (Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten) in 1975 where he would be consistently exhibited. He followed that up the next year with works accepted into the International Ceramics Exhibition and the 23rd National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten, where he would be repeatedly exhibited). He continued at the University to advanced studies, and the University purchased his final project in 1977. After a stint as a potter in a professional kiln, he established his own kiln in Ibaraki prefecture in 1981. In 1983 one of his works were selected for the Kyo no Nihon Togei (Today in Japanese Pottery) exhibition which travelled to the Smithsonian and the V&A in London. From 1987-2001 he would be a guest professor at his alma-mater, the Tokyo University of Fine Art. As well from 1987 he would exhibit nearly every time at the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition. In ’89 he would be granted the Cultural Award from Ibaraki Prefecture. He would receive many prizes at various exhibitions over the years including the aforementioned as well as the Issuikai Ten exhibition, Mashiko Ceramics Exhibition, and Shinsaku Togeiten (New Ceramic Artworks) exhibition, and in 2002 the Imperial Household Agency would acquire one of his works. His works are held in the Shiga Prefectureal Togei No Mori Museum, Sano City Yoshizawa Museum, and Worcester Art Museum among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1419152 (stock #1461)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Delicate white “Mountain Priest Flowers”, called Yamaboshi in Japanese (Kousa Dogwood) decorate this vase by Shimada Fumio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Saiji Yamaboshi-mon Hishigata Bin. It is 25 x 9.5 x 35 cm (10 x 4 x 14 inches) and is in excellent condition. br> Shimada Fumio is undoubtedly one of the greatest artists working in porcelain in Japan today. He was born in Tochigi prefecture in 1948, and his work was accepted into the 21st Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Crafts Exhibition the year before he graduated the Tokyo University of Arts Advanced Studies in 1975. That year his graduation project was purchased by the University Museum, and he was awarded at the 15th Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (New Traditional Crafts Exhibition). In 1983 his work was part of an exhibition at the Smithsonian and V&A. From 1985 e took a position at his alma matter. Among a plethora of awards and recognitions his work has been exhibited at the aforementioned plus the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition, among others, and has been seen overseas in the China-Japan-Korea International Ceramics Exhibition, Turkey, Germany, America and Mexico.