Catalog (1092)

A trumpeting fluted form covered in igneous blasted ash by Iga legend Kojima Kenji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Ruiza Hanaire. Ruiza is the name of these small circular studs which decorate the vase between the flutes near the rim. It seems to dance on the table, the form bent as if in a twirl. This vessel, very organic in formation, is 25 cm (10 inches) tall, roughly 15 cm (6 inches) diameter at the top, and is in excellent condition.
Kojima Kenji was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1953 and graduated from the Tokoname Ceramic Vocational High School in 1971. In 1973 he spent a year in Iga before moving to Bizen for a five year apprenticeship with Konishi Tozo. He returned to Iga in 1979 and built an anagama. He has exhibited with the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramic Exhibition, Asahi Togeiten Ceramic Art Exhibition and Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition as well as an impressive list of solo exhibitions in some of Japan’s top galleries.

One of his most popular new forms, this starkly arching elevated dish is by Murakoshi Takuma is covered in white over shadows of iron with areas of thin green revealing the clay beneath, weeping giant droplets onto the swirling center. It is called a Geta-zara, named after the traditional elevated wooden sandals worn in Japan in previous eras. 29 x 13 x 11 cm (4-1/2 inches tall, 5 x just less than 12 inches long) in perfect condition, directly from the artist and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Geta-zara.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

Be the only one on the block with a Murakoshi Takuma wash basin! Here is a sink made from his infamous rugged Shigaraki clay covered in Ash, iron and feldspar. This will undoubtedly become a conversation piece! It comes complete with stainless steel drain pipe fittings. The sink is 35 cm (14 inches) diameter, 12 cm 5 inches) deep and is in perfect condition.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A spectacular heavy basin rendered from the earth covered in rich emerald glaze by Mizuno Sokaku enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Oribe Kaki. Measuring 25 x 23 x 16 cm (10 x 9 x 6 inches) and literally hollowed out from a block of clay, it weighs 5.7 kg (12-1/2 pounds) and is in excellent condition.
Mizuno Sokaku (1922-1997) was heavily influenced by the multi-talented artist Fujii Tatsukichi, a central figure in Japan’s modern kōgei (arts and crafts) movement. Sokaku allowed himself to be unfettered in approach to the plastic arts, and his unconventional works still draw interest today. He exhibited with the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition, the Seto Togeiten and Asahi Togeiten where he was awarded, the Nihon Kogeiten National Crafts Exhibition, the Nitten where he was awarded, and his work was selected n juried exhibitions to travel to America and New Zealand. His work is held in the Achi Prefectural Museum of Art, Queensland Art Gallery,

Green glass puddles in the centers of these fabulous feldspar studded plates in ash glaze by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kittate Rokusun Sara. They are roughly 18 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter and in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A quintessential Mimitsuki Mizusashi with loop handles by die hard Takahashi Rakusai enclosed in the original signed wooden box. This is a superb example of the form by master of the tradition. It retains both the original pottery lid and custom made black lacquered wood Kae-buta lid. The vessel is 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) diameter, 17.5 cm (7 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Takahashi Takusai IV was born the eldest son of the 3rd generation Rakusai in Shigaraki in 1925, given name Mitsuo. Trained under his father, in 1973 he was invited to exhibit in Los Angeles where he lectured at the University of California. He took the name Rakusai in 1976. A die hard proponent of tradition, in 1991 he received the International Arts and Culture Award from the Japan Foundation for the Promotion of Culture.

A set of large Abalone Shell Shaped bowls covered in ash glaze with liquid pools of jade green by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu O-Awabi Bachi. This is one of his most popular forms, and we had to get to the kiln immediately after firing to garner a few sets. Perfect for winter food, Oden or even Niku-jaga. These are 19.5 x 15 x 8 cm (7-3/4 x 6 x 3 inches) and are in perfect condition, from his most recent firing.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A set of five small dishes in the shape of an upturned roof tile covered in tri-colored glaze by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shunju Kawara-zara. Each is roughly 14 x 12 x 5 cm (5-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2 inches) and all are in excellent condition.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A voluminous wine glass with lacquer colored stem and dark foot by the Shiun studio of Okada Yuji enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is roughly 12 cm (4-3/4 inches) diameter, 26 cm (10-1/4 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
This is not dishwasher safe

A beautiful small wall hanging sculpture by Yamaguchi Mio, titled Kawa (Skin or bark) in rare lavender tinged glaze. It is 19 x 32 x 5.5 cm (8 x 12-1/2 x 2 inches) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Yamaguchi Mio was born in Aichi prefecture in 1992, and graduated advanced studies at the Aichi University of Education in 2017. While still at university, her works were selected for show at the JoryuTogei Ten Female Ceramic Artist Association Exhibition (2014). In 2016 she was awarded at the 3rd Kogei in Kanazawa Competition, Grand Prize at the Ceramic Art in the Present Tense Exhibition at the Hagi Uragami Museum as well received the governors prize at the 5oth Female Ceramic Artist Association Exhibition. In 2017 she was selected for the 11International Ceramics Competition in Mino. She took a job as a teacher, but could not fight the need to create, so enrolled in the Tajimi City Ceramics research facility, graduating in2020. Her work is currently on view in the Chicago Institute of Arts, and was featured on the cover of the catalog for that exhibition, Radical Clay.
According to Mio: I feel that my fascination towards the natural world’s use of repetition, in bee hives and on the surface of corals, appears in my work as I consume and absorb the world around me. I like to believe that these works are natural forms made by my own hands. When I mold clay, I have a sensation that my body and consciousness blends and binds with the material and the natural world. The process of building upon each coil and applying each fold one by one with my hands is a form of meditation. Through this repetitive process I want to be able to convey my thoughts at the time in the texture, such as my struggle of swaying between the desires to live freely and falling under the pressure from societal expectations. It calms me down to observe the fingerprints left in the surface and see the traces of my existence in the clay. These works are products of what I have absorbed around me.

An elongated Kutsugata Chawan, the sloughing ash glaze interrupted by swaths of running iron, which turn to rivulets on the roughly textured outside, while forming a black pool in the center of the bowl. Surprisingly comfortable, it has a definite drinking point at one narrow end, the rich dark lagoon revealed as one tips up to take the last sip. It is 16 x 12 x 8 cm (6-1/4 x 5 x 2-1/4 inches) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

Crystalline green ash covers most of the rough clay that makes up this small steep sided bowl by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Chawan. It is 11 x 12 x 8.5 cm (4-1/4 x 4-3/4 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this Fall.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A green pool fills the basin of this steep sided bowl, the walls dragged by the fingers by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Chawan. Large Shiseki bubbles of white feldspar crystals burst through the surface. It is 12 x 13 x 7.5 cm (4-3/4 x 5 x 3 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this Fall.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A new series, experimenting with his recently developed glossy white glaze, a chawan with iron decoration by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Haku-yu Chawan. It is 12 x 13 x 8 cm (4-3/4 x 5 x 3-1/4 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist this Fall.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

An elegant bowl swept in a Zen circle of ink by Shigemori Yoko, the vessel evidencing several dips in white slip, creating a captivating sensibility which contests the simplicity of the coloration. It is 14 cm diameter, 8 cm tall and in perfect condition, directly from the artist’ family and comes enclosed in a wooden box annotated by her nephew.
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under avant-garde Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten National Modern Ceramics Exhibition. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, the first issue dedicated to Kyoto potters. Toh was, at the time

A wine glass with swirling design in colored lacquer by the Shiun studio of Okada Yuji enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is roughly 10 cm (4 inches) diameter, 23 cm (9 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
This is not dishwasher safe

The flattened surface of this elevated dish is scored by the artist fingers and covered in a smattering of green ash glaze by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titeld Hai-yu Yubi-mon Sara. It is 23 x 20 x 5 cm (10 x 8 x 2 inches) and in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.

A beautiful small flat serving dish on raised turned foot by Murakoshi Takuma the pebble studded clay covered in emerald green ash glaze and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-yu Hira-maru Ita-zara. It is 18 cm (7-1/4 inches) diameter, and stands 4.5 cm (just less than 2 inches) tall. Perfect for cheeses fruits or other shared snacks.
Murakoshi Takuma is one of those enigmas who simply lives to work with clay. He does not seek to make a living through pottery, but through his primal approach has earned a following which keeps his work in high demand. He was born in Aichi prefecture in 1954 and began his stroll down the pottery path in 1980 under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Umehara Takehira. Favoring very rough Shigaraki glaze, he established his own kiln in 1997 in the Kiyomizu pottery district of Kyoto, then moved to Nagaoka in 2002. Although eschewing the world of competitive exhibitions, he has been picked up by many of Japan’s preeminent galleries, including private exhibitions at the prestigious Kuroda Toen of Tokyo’s Ginza District.