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 : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1464965 (stock #1951)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A patterned Seki vase by Ito Shin enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai-mon Hanaike (Ash Pattern Vase). The patterns remind me of the patterns on an Ainu Robe. Stoneware, it is 38 cm (15 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Ito Shin was born in Chiba in 1952 and has lived in worked in Mashiko in Tochigi Prefecture. He studied under Kikuchi Akira, another Mashiko artist. He is a member of the Dento Kogeikai, or traditional arts guild and also the Japan Ceramics Exhibition and has been selected to exhibit in these shows since 1977.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Sculptural : Contemporary item #1464918 (stock #1951)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A moon-like orb awash in an atmosphere of rust and oxide by Hashimoto Tomonari enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply (as with all his works) Untitled. It is 27 cm (9-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, directly from this young and important artist. A similar piece went into the collection of the V&A in London last year.
Hashimoto Tomonari was born the son of a sculptor and has felt comfortable with the processes of creation since childhood. He graduated with a masters from the Kanazawa University of Art in March 2017, then relocated to Shigaraki. A visit to his humble home studio is eye opening. Although he comes across as shy in conversation, when you move on to the subject of art, he is all confidence. He was named a finalist for the Loewe Craft Prize in 2019 and is already making international waves around Asia. Work by him is held in the V&A in London, another piece has entered LACMA and a large sculpture has recently been installed in his home prefecture of Wakayama.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1464816 (stock #1948)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An intriguing handled cylinder vase by Mori Toshiaki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Te-tsuki Hana-ire (Handled Vase). This small vase has been cut spirally down, the resulting ribbon wrapped over the top and affixed to the opposite side forming the handle. It is 18.5 cm (7-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist this summer.
Mori Toshiaki was born the first son of traditional Bizen potter Mori Yasushi in 1982. Growing up in the family kiln, he entered the Bizen ceramic center in 2005, and after a year of study there continued in the family tradition. He has exhibited with the Okayama Ken-Ten art exhibition, Nihon Dento Kogeiten Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Gendai Chato Ten Modern Tea Ceramics Exhibition and the Chanoyu Zokei Ten (New forms in Tea Exhibition in addition to being exhibited in New York, Taiwan, and London.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1464796 (stock #1947)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An unusual form by Mori Toshiaki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Te-bachi (handled basin). The basin has been paired off at the top, the ribbons of clay looping over each other to form the winding handle. A most unusual design. A blast of ash decorates the exposed upper surfaces, the basin itself rust colored raw clay. It is 20 cm (8 inches) diameter, 14.5 cm (5-3/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist this summer.
Mori Toshiaki was born the first son of traditional Bizen potter Mori Yasushi in 1982. Growing up in the family kiln, he entered the Bizen ceramic center in 2005, and after a year of study there continued in the family tradition. He has exhibited with the Okayama Ken-Ten art exhibition, Nihon Dento Kogeiten Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Gendai Chato Ten Modern Tea Ceramics Exhibition and the Chanoyu Zokei Ten (New forms in Tea Exhibition in addition to being exhibited in New York, Taiwan, and London.
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 : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1464427 (stock #1942)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An elegant porcelain incense burner of draped form by porcelain master Kubota Yasuyoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seihakuji Ryusen -mon Koro. It is 15.5 cm (6 inches) to the top of the finial and is in excellent condition.
Kubota Yasuyoshi was born in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto on the Southern Island of Kyushu in 1952. He was awarded top prize at the Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition in 1982, and since has been awarded at the National Ceramics Exhibition as well as the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition among many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1463563 (stock #1938)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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There is nothing superfluous in the work of Saito Hiroyuki, often described as “Muda no nai utsuwa” (Vessel without waste). Here is an exquisite tea bowl in muted silver and black with a texture which will make your hands want to dance. Like the creator, it is chic, with a simplicity of form which is timeless, and yet very much rooted in the world we live in today. The bowl is 8 cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Although I would love to offer a plethora of his work, we will have to wait until our next trip to Kyushu, as Hiroyuki is now concentrating, according to his own personal policy, on the very local populace, with whom he can develop a personal relationship, and know through direct feedback that his creations are rewarding to the end user.
Saito Hiroyuki was born in Kumamoto on the Southern Island of Kyushu in 1978. He came to ceramics after 30, having worked in industry and as a florist. In his late 20 he began to ask, what is a lifelong career? A stylish fellow, he was profoundly affected by the simplicity and style of German born Hans Coper. But it was not necessarily the connections to history and a specific tradition, but the ability to express one’s unique character through clay which drew him toward the potters fold. Around 30 he had a brush with death, and in the ICU decided should he survive, he would dedicate the remainder of his life to expressing himself in earth. Survive he did, and initially he was self-taught, eschewing the practice of apprenticeship while exploring his own new path. In 2013 he entered the Gen-gama under Furumori Gen, taking over the running of the kiln the following year. In 2018 he remodeled, setting up a group studio now shared by several artists working in various mediums.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1463527 (stock #1937)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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There is an understated elegance in the work of Saito Hiroyuki which is very difficult to describe, but blatantly apparent the moment one holds his work. This guinomi is expertly crafted, rough textured outside with a smooth rim leading to the dark inner “Ma” (emptiness), ready to be filled. It is 6.5 cm (2-1/2 inches) diameter, 5 cm (2 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Although I would love to offer a plethora of his work, we will have to wait until our next trip to Kyushu, as Hiroyuki is now concentrating, according to his own personal policy, on the very local populace, with whom he can develop a personal relationship, and know through direct feedback that his creations are rewarding to the end user.
Saito Hiroyuki was born in Kumamoto on the Southern Island of Kyushu in 1978. He came to ceramics after 30, having worked in industry and as a florist. In his late 20 he began to ask, what is a lifelong career? A stylish fellow, he was profoundly affected by the simplicity and style of German born Hans Coper. But it was not necessarily the connections to history and a specific tradition, but the ability to express one’s unique character through clay which drew him toward the potters fold. Around 30 he had a brush with death, and in the ICU decided should he survive, he would dedicate the remainder of his life to expressing himself in earth. Survive he did, and initially he was self-taught, eschewing the practice of apprenticeship while exploring his own new path. In 2013 he entered the Gen-gama under Furumori Gen, taking over the running of the kiln the following year. In 2018 he remodeled, setting up a group studio now shared by several artists working in various mediums.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1463415 (stock #1935)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Signature Shunju colorful glaze decorates this expressive vessel by Murakoshi Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Tobe! (Fly!). The wide piece is like a bird, wings spread wide as it sets to leap for the sky. He says that he made this shape specifically in memory of his wife, who loved flowers. It is 53 cm (21 inches) wide 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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1463385 (stock #1934)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A cluster of succulent flowers blossom among the vibrant leaves of the loquat tree on this unusually shaped vessel by Sueoka Nobuhiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 28 cm wide, 36 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Sueoka Nobuhiko was born in Fukuoka on Japans Main Sothern Island in 1948, and apprenticed under future Living National Treasure Fujimoto Yoshimichi in 1973. He stayed working with Yoshimichi for 16 years, before establishing his own kiln in 1989, and moving to mountainous Nagano Prefecture in 1995. Although he has been displayed at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition) the artist has mostly eschewed the world of National competitions in favor of private exhibition. With small output works by this artist are hard to find and very much in demand.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1463321 (stock #1930)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Thick white feldspathic glaze tinged with flickers of color covers this sake flask by Kato Kozo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shino Tokkuri. It is 13.3 cm (just over 5 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Kato Kozo was born in 1935, and studied under the Mino Legend and Designated Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo. He has been widely exhibited both domestically and abroad and like his mentor Kozo was named a Living National Treasure in 2010, a tribute to a life spent reviving and defending the Mino traditions. Work by him is held in the National Museums of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto as well as the Victoria & Albert Museum among others
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1463320 (stock #1933)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Beware, in this artists world the walls have ears and your sake cup is staring back at you. A striking work by Mizumoto Kayoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kujira Guinomi. As if the unblinking green eye were not enough, a silver thorn bursts from the surface on one side (or is it a devils horn, or Vikings come to call?). Sure to inspire conversation during a round of sake, the playful cup is 5.5 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Mizumoto Kayoko was born in Ishikawa, home to the Kutani Ceramic Tradition, in 1971. She initially apprenticed in Yuzen Textile dying, where she worked for seven years, before teaching herself basic pottery techniques beginning in 1999. Having come to the traditiaonl Kutani world from outside, she was free to develop her own voice unfettered by traditional influences. In 2001 she entered a traditional kiln where she mastered the craft, and established her own kiln in 2010. Her work ahs been featured in prominent shows both in and out of Japan.
All Items : Artists : Lacquer : Contemporary item #1463304
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Perhaps because of its proximity (or lack thereof) to central Japan, the beautiful lacquer wares of Akita may be lesser known than other regions. Here is an exquisite sake cup and katakuchi serer of turned wood covered in multiple layers of soft, black lacquer by Sato Fumiyuki of the Kawatsura lacquer tradition. A belt of gilded binding wrapping the body is the only decoration. This lack of distraction, in fact, accentuates the form and allows us to focus on the pure elegance of the lacquer itself. This sake set, initially matte in affect, will attain a soft sheen with use over the years.
Kawatsura has an 800 year history of consistent lacquer production, although burial mounds and excavations of Jomon artifacts have yielded lacquer ware thousands of years old in the area. Kawatsura lacquerware is characterized by its durable practicality due to its smoke-drying, thick wood, and robust foundation. Sato Fumiyuki is a third generation lacquer artist very proud of his trade and the intense processes which give birth to the beautiful objects he creates. He has been designated a Dento Kogeishi Traditional Craftsman by the Japan Kogei Association.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1463295 (stock #1931)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A quintessential work showing the decorative aesthetic of Ichino Masahiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Senmon Tokkuri. It is 13.3 cm (just over 5 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
The youngest winner ever at the 13th National Ceramic Exhibition (Nihon Togeiten), Ichino Hiroyuki is a powerhouse in Tamba, bringing that long forgotten corner of Japan’s ceramic realm back into the limelight. He was born in Sasayama, heart of Tamba, in 1961, and studied in Kyoto under Imai Masayuki, and under his father Ichino Shinsui. He established his own kiln in 1988, and in 1995 caught the worlds attention with his work “Kai” at the 13th Nihon Togeiten. In 99 his work was selected for the Japanese Ceramic Exhibition Tour sponsored by the Japan Foundation, and that was the first of many overseas exhibits featuring his work. In 2006 he received the JCS award (Japan Ceramic Society prize), one of the most coveted in Japan, and in 2009 received the grand prize at the Tanabe Museum Modern forms in Tea Exhibition. He is held in the collection of the V&A, New Orleans Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Tanabe Museum and Japan Foundation among many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1463016 (stock #1924)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Faint crackling permeates the vibrant green glaze on this sake flask by Living National Treasure Nakajima Hiroshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Tokkuri. It is 12.5 cm tall, and in excellent condition.
Nakajima Hiroshi (1941-2018) was born in Hiroshima, and established himself as an independent potter Yano, Saga Prefecture in 1969, choosing to specialize in the challenging field of Celadon ware. That same year he was first accepted into the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and in 1977 he would be awarded for the first time at that prestigious venue. In 1981 he was awarded the Prime Ministers prize in the Nishi Nihon Togeiten (West Japan Ceramic Exhibition). This was followed two years later by the most prestigious Japan Ceramics Society award in 1982 (He would be awarded their gold prize in 2006). In 1985 he would travel to China to study pottery and excavate at ancient kiln sites. He was named an intangible cultural asset of Saga prefecture in 1990. After many more he would finally be named a Living National Treasure (Mukei Bunkazai) in 2007, and received the 65th West Japan Order of Cultural Merit.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1463002 (stock #1926)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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This odd squat bottle, with the sake cup resting on top, reminds me of images of the itinerant Buddhist Monk Taneda Santoka who wandered Japan in the pre-war era, his black robes flowing down around his bundled form, fueled by drink and composing poems. Here he is found, bamboo Kasa hat pulled down over his eyes, dozing off along the trailside. This Tokkuri and Guinomi are by Murakoshi Takuma, a cherubic poet in clay also fueled by his love for wine and given to wandering. The cup is 9 x 8.5 x 5 cm (2 inches tall) the Tokkuri 11 cm diameter 13 cm (5 inches) tall. Both are in excellent condition, directly from the artist, enclosed in the original signed wooden box.
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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1462947 (stock #1922)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Enigmatic natural forms seem fossilized on the white surface of this rare guinomi by female pottery star Hattori Makiko enclosed in a black lidded wooden box signed and dated inside Heisei 27 (2015) and titled simply Shuki. It is 7.5 cm (3 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. This was from way back when we could acquire works by her. Those days are long gone, and this is the last of its kind.
Hattori Makiko was born in Aichi prefecture in 1984. She graduated the Aichi Prefectural University of Education of in 2007, moving to advanced courses which she graduated in 2009. While still in University she participated in her first event, the 40th Female Artists Exhibition in 2006. In 2007 she was accepted into the 45th Asahi Togeiten (and the following year the 46th). In 2008 she was exhibited at the INAX gallery and Chunichikan (Chinese Korean and Japanese) International Art Exhibition. That same year her work was exhibited in Taiwan. 2009 found her in a group exhibition with several rising stars. Tanaka Tomomi, Nakashima Harumi and Hattori Makiko. Since then she has concentrated more on art fairs and festivals, rather than the large competitive exhibitions held nationally. Preferring the interaction with visitors which these smaller venues allow, and reliving the pressure to constantly produce volume so as to stay focused on quality and Uniqueness. Now a mother, there are even more demands on her time.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1462884 (stock #1921)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Delicate pink and blue fan-shapes like the scales on some iridescent tropical fish or feathers on an exotic bird rise in an overlapping pattern to form this open flower receptacle by Kusaba Yuji enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Neriage is well known in Northern Japan thanks to living National Teasure Matsui Kosei who worked in colored clay, however it is unheard of in Southern Japan, and in this case, made of colored porcelain. The vessel is 17 cm (6-1/4 inches) diameter, 20.5 cm (8 inches) tall and in perfect condition, from the artist late last year. You may recall seeing a photo of it on Instagram from when we visited the artist at that time. It has, like much we acquired then, been sitting in its box on a shelf while we remodeled the new gallery space waiting to be unveiled!
Kusaba Yuji was born in Arita, the heartland of Japanese porcelain, in 1955, and graduated the prestigious Nihon Daigaku in 1979. He returned to the family kiln in 1984, to apprentice under his father, diverging from ordinary porcelain production, he chose to attempt the unexplored techniques of Neriage colored clay in porcelain. His work was first exhibited in 1990 at the Nagasaki Togeiten, where he received the Governors prize. Since he has been accepted into or awarded at The Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition, Dento Kogeiten Traditional Ceramics Exhibition Saga Kenten Prefectural Exhibition and Asahi Crafts Exhibition among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1462379 (stock #1912)
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A gorgeous Mimitsuki handled vase with flaring rim covered in in running ash glaze and encrustations of dark embers by Tanimoto Yo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Hana-ire. It is 26 cm (10-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. This is a superb example of the traditional Momoyama aesthetic.
Born in 1958 the son of Iga potter Tanimoto Kosei, Yo was raised among the kilns and has always had his hands in clay. He first began exhibiting in 1982, and in 1984 moved to Europe where he studied oil painting and sculpture (in Spain), and set up a pottery studio outside Paris. After returning to Japan he set up his own studio in 1988, working both in Japan and and Spain. Since his works have been exhibited widely, both domestically and abroad in New York, London, Barcelona and Paris.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1462378 (stock #1911)
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A traditional mimi-tsuki cylindrical vase by the artist who wrote the book on traditional firing, Furutani Michio, enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vase is covered inside and out in natural molten ash glaze and dark charring where it was buried in the embers, the opposite side reveals the expressive nature of Shigaraki clay. It is 26.5 cm (10-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Furutani Michio is one of the Gods of Shigaraki, an artist who wrote the book on Anagama kilns, and one of the more influential artists of the second half of the 20th century. He was born in Shigaraki; graduating the Konan High School of industrial Arts, he moved to further his studies (like so many great artist before him, Kanjiro, Hamada…) at the Kyoto Institute of Industrial Arts in 1964. After breaking out on his own, he started by building an Anagama in Shigaraki in 1970, the first since the middle ages. He was a true pioneer, reviving the tradition and going on to build over thirty kilns over the next thirty years. No other artist has shown such singular dedication to a firing technique. He has been featured in the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition), Nihon Togei Ten (Japanese Ceramic Exhibition) and the Chunichi Kokusai Togei Ten among others. He passed away at the peak of his career. For more on this artists contributions see his book Anagama – Building Kilns and Firing.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1462016 (stock #1908)
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A fabulous textured faceted bottle shaped vase by Sakai Hiroshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ai-ji Shino Ichirin Sashi (Blue Shino Single Flower Vase). It is 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) tall, 11.5 cm (5 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Sakai Hiroshi was born in Toki City in central Mino country in 1960. He graduated the Nagoya Institute of Technology in 1983, after which he spent two years at the Tajimi City Ceramic Research Facility before apprenticing under future Living National Treasure Kato Kozo. He has been exhibited or awarded at the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten), National Ceramic Art Exhibition (Nihon Togeiten), Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, as well as being exhibited internationally in Taiwan, Korea, and Italy among others. Work by the artist is held in the Italian Faenze Ceramic Museum, The Gifu Prefectural Museum of Modern Ceramic Art and Mino Ceramic Art Museum, both inTajimi as well as the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Bowls : Pre 2000 item #1461907 (stock #1401)
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Here is a masterpiece by Wakao Toshisada, one of the great artists of the post-war era who helped to revive the Shino tradition (now one of the most popular Japanese forms) from extinction. An early masterpiece by the artist showing his abilities from inception, this bowl was selected for the cover of the exhibition invitation card in 1973 (card included). It is 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Wakao Toshisada was born in Tajimi, Gifu prefecture, home of Mino pottery, in 1933. He was first recognized at the New Crafts exhibition of 1960, the same year he was first exhibited at the Central Japan Art Exhibition. Three years later he made his debut at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, following in 1965 with the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 1971 he first exhibited with the Nihon Togeiten (All Japan Ceramics Exhibition) and was awarded the following year the New Mino Artists Prize, gathering acclaim as a leader in the field. After many domestic and International exhibits, he was awarded the Kato Kohei prize in 1986. and was recipient of the prestigious Japan Ceramics Society (JCS) Award in 1989. He was named an intangible cultural asset of Tajimi city in 1995, and of Gifu Prefecture in 2003, and works by the artist are held in the Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, V&A, Freer Gallery and Sackler among many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1461689 (stock #1903)
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A Spectacular bowl in yellow tinged fissured green glaze by Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kiji Kanyu Chawan (Yellow-Crackle-Glazed Tea Bowl). This is a fabulous example of this important artists work. It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 8 cm (3-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Shimizu Uichi (1926-2004) was born in Kyoto the son of a ceramic dealer. Discarding the family business, he apprenticed in plastic arts under future Living National Treasure Ishiguro Munemaro. His work retains some principal elements of his teachers style while incorporating an understated elegance and avant-garde spirit of challenge uncommon for his time. He was first exhibited at the Nitten in 1951, receiving numerous awards there since. He also took the gold medal at the Prague International Exhibition, and was at the Brussels World Exposition. He is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto Museum of Modern art, Clark Center and the Freer Gallery among many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1461582 (stock #1906)
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Today I would like to introduce another talented potter living outside of the traditional potting centers. This is a beautiful Nezumi Shino (Gray Shino) chawan by Sagae Eimei, and comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box. This has an immediacy which speaks of our era, yet is based firmly in the pottery of the Momoyama period. It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 9.5 cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Sagae Eimei was born in Yamagata prefecture in 1949. Upon graduation from high school, he moved immediately to Gifu, where he studied Mino ware under Kato Kobei and future living National Treasure Kato Kozo. In 1970 he went to Africa for two years, before establishing his first kiln in the Hachioji district of rural Tokyo. In 1975 he moved to Shizuoka, and from there specialized in Shino ware for half a century, working to the revival of Momoyama era tea ware.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1461507 (stock #1901)
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Gold streaks the thickly potted blue sides of this large vase by important artist Morino (Hiroaki) Taimei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The patterns drape over the rim, and rise from the base like seaweed dancing in the current below a wavy line at the shoulder, the blue glaze filled with floating paler bubbles. The vessel is 12 x 22.5 x 26 cm (10-1/2 inches) and in excellent condition.
Morino Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art!). In 1960 he received the prestigious Hokutosho prize at the same National Exhibition. In the early 60s he worked as a guest professor at the University of Chicago. Upon his return to Japan his career began to lift off with a second Hokutosho Prize at the Nitten, followed by the governor’s prize and others at the Gendai Kogei Ten (Modern National Crafts Exhibition). He was subsequently selected for display at the Kyoto and Tokyo Natby ional Museums in 1972 and was accepted into the first Nihon Togei Ten that same year. Since his list of exhibitions and prizes has continued to grow, with subsequent selections in the Tokyo and Kyoto museums of Art, as well as exhibitions in Paris, Italy, America, Canada, Denmark and others. In 2007 he received the Japan Art Academy Prize, an award to a work of art similar in weight to the bestowing of Living National Treasure to an artist. This puts the artist in a small club, rare and important. For more information on the artist see Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, Fired with Passion by (Lurie/Chan, 2006) or the recent exhibition of works titled Generosity in Clay from the Natalie Fitzgerald Collection.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Pre 2000 item #1461480 (stock #1900)
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A Tokkuri and two cups with applied gold floral designs on crimson by legendary female artist Ono Hakuko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kinrande Shuki. The Tokkuri is 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) tall, and all are in excellent condition.
From Aichi prefecture, Ono Hakuko was trained by her father initially in the ceramic arts. However she was most strongly influenced by the great experimentive artist Kato Hajime (1901-1968) and his work with gold. This affected her own style deeply, and it can be said that she carried on his research. She was awarded the JCS award in 1980, one of Japans most prestigious ceramics awards. In 1992 she was named an important cultural asset (Juyo mukei bunkazai) of Saga prefecture. Bucking the traditional image here is another of Japans great cultural assets who fought against a system of prejudice to rise to the top and it is an honor to be able to offer something by her. For more on this important modern artist see Touch Fire, contemporary Japanese Ceramics by Women Artists (2009)
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1461205 (stock #1897)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A rare early vessel decorated with graphic floral designs by Kondo Takahiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sometsuke Mentori Mizusashi. It is 14.5 cm (6 inches) diameter, 18 cm (7 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It could hold a very interesting conversation about lineage and inheritance with the mist series chawan by the same artist recently sold.
Kondo Takahiro (b. 1958) was born the grandson of Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo. However, he graduated Hosei University not with a degree in sculpture or crafts, but in Literature. From there he studied at the Kyoto Prefectural Technical Institute of Ceramics, followed by a year at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Research. 15 years later he would spend a year in Edinburgh studying glass making, and with this combination of skills, was born the silver mist series for which he is so highly acclaimed. Work by him is held in Museums throughout the world, including the National Museum of Scotland, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Museum of Arts & Design, New York, Spencer Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Art Gallery NSW, Sydney, Hamilton Art Gallery, Australia, Miho Museum. National Gallery of Victoria, Paramita Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Shigaraki, and The São Paulo Museum of Art, Brazil among others. Without a doubt one of the most important contemporary artists in Japan today. For more see Celestial Ceramics: The Art of Kondo Takahiro (2002)
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1461011 (stock #1895)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A fabulous Seihakuji Koro by Fukami Sueharu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled: Fly (Tobu). Two wings burst from the shoulders; the lid pierced with matching holes to allow the smoke to escape. It has the artists signature incised into the base. The work is 17.5 cm (7 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
Fukami Sueharu is synonymous with seihakuji celadon. He has been displayed numerous times at the prestigious Nitten, Nihon Togei Ten (National Japanese Ceramic Exhibition) and Nihon Gendai Kogei Ten (National Japanese Modern Crafts Exhibition) among others. He is held in the Yale University Museum among others. For more information on this artist a quick web-search, or a look at the article highlighting his life in the March 2005 edition of Orientations Magazine will be enlightening. The list of museums holding his work is, in fact, much to long for this page, but includes the National Museums of Modern Art, Tokyo /Kyoto / and Osaka, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Philadelphia St. Louis, Portland, Chicago, Minneapolis, Smithsonian, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Musée national de céramique, Sèvres, Musée des arts décoratifs, Paris, Hetjens Museum, Düsseldorf and the National Gallery of Australia among many others
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1460646 (stock #1890)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An artist whose bold creations work well in a Western setting, here is a seminal piece just in time for the season decorated with dark iron branches laden with silver blossoms by Miyake Yoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ginsai Sakura Mon Henko. Here the artist has set the oxidized silver flowers and dark tree silhouettes on a ground of rusty yellow, an intriguing combination. It is 57.5 x 13 x 30.5 cm (23 x 5 x 12 inches) and is in excellent condition. This is a masterpiece, and at almost two feet long sure to garner a great deal of attention.
Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Miyake Yoji was born in Shimane in 1950, He studied from 1974 under Ito Kosho, establishing himself as an independent artist three years later in Mashiko. In 1979 his work was accepted into the Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (New Exhibition of Traditional Crafts) and displayed there annually thereafter. In 1980 he was accepted into the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition), and many times thereafter. Again the following year he was accepted into yet another major exhibition with the Nihon Togei Ten (All Japan Ceramic Exhibition), once again followed up with repeated acceptance there. Yet in the 90s he turned away from the competitive world and began to concentrate more on private exhibitions, of which he has been hosted many times in some of Japans most prestigious galleries. He was also the subject of an NHK Television Documentary in 1998 and appeared in another in 2000.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1460589 (stock #1889)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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This is a seminal work by the most legendary figure in Shino today, Hayashi Shotaro, in his signature Manyosai glaze with incredible color patterns enclosed in the original singed wooden box complete with wrapping cloth and name card (Shiori and Shifuku). It is huge at 53.5 x 10 x 24.5 cm (21 x 4 x 9-3/4 inches) and in perfect condition. Very Heavy!
Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947) is one of the biggest names in contemporary Mino ceramics. Although initially entering regular employment upon graduating high school, in 1967 he returned to Toki city to help his brother Kotaro. Very quickly within him was born the urge to create. He won the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968, and from there his talent blossomed. He established his own kiln in 1974. Since then his list of exhibitions and awards has been amazing, including the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition), Governors Prize and five times winner of Best of Show at the Asahi Togei Ten (Asahi Ceramics Exhibition), and Best of Show at Gifu Prefectural Exhibition. At the Mino Ceramics Exhibition, in addition to the highest award, the Mino Ceramics Award, he has received all three major awards, including the Shoroku Award and the Kobei Award.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1460581 (stock #1888)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A breathtaking swirling platter by important contemporary Shino artist Hayashi Shotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Manyosai Zuimaki Ita Shiho-zara (Four-sided Slab Dish with Myriad Leaves Color Tornado). This Manyosai glaze is the artists unique forte and one of many important additions he has made over the years to the world od Mino pottery. The thick slab is 40 x 32 cm (16 x 12-1/2 inches) and stands up to 10 cm (4 inches) tall; in excellent condition.
Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947) is one of the biggest names in contemporary Mino ceramics. Although initially entering regular employment upon graduating high school, in 1967 he returned to Toki city to help his brother Kotaro. Very quickly within him was born the urge to create. He won the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968, and from there his talent blossomed. He established his own kiln in 1974. Since then his list of exhibitions and awards has been amazing, including the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition), Governors Prize and five times winner of Best of Show at the Asahi Togei Ten (Asahi Ceramics Exhibition), and Best of Show at Gifu Prefectural Exhibition. At the Mino Ceramics Exhibition, in addition to the highest award, the Mino Ceramics Award, he has received all three major awards, including the Shoroku Award and the Kobei Award.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1460482 (stock #1887)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Rainbow colored Shino glaze burnt to a crispy finish covers this bamboo shaped vase by Hayashi Shotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. This is a perfect example of the daring route this artist took, propelling the popularity of Shino wares to new heights and inspiring many followers. The colors are fabulous, soft blues, pinks and greens. The gather together in rivulets framing the dark earth of the foot in the center of which is the artists signature. It is 23 cm (9 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947) is one of the biggest names in contemporary Mino ceramics. Although initially entering regular employment upon graduating high school, in 1967 he returned to Toki city to help his brother Kotaro. Very quickly within him was born the urge to create. He won the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968, and from there his talent blossomed. He established his own kiln in 1974. Since then his list of exhibitions and awards has been amazing, including the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition), Governors Prize and five times winner of Best of Show at the Asahi Togei Ten (Asahi Ceramics Exhibition), and Best of Show at Gifu Prefectural Exhibition. At the Mino Ceramics Exhibition, in addition to the highest award, the Mino Ceramics Award, he has received all three major awards, including the Shoroku Award and the Kobei Award.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Bowls : Pre 2000 item #1459829 (stock #1880)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A radical Tea bowl by Sakuchi Ensen enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hisshoku Nanban Chawan. This has everything, texture, color, size. Inside circles of flame burn white in the charred dark earth, while the outside is charred black with smatterings of red, blue and green. It is 13 cm (5-1/4 inches) diameter, 9 cm (3-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It comes complete with the original wrapping cloth and artists profile (shifuku and shiori).
Sakuchi Ensen (B. 1922) began on the path of the potter in 1946, searching to create something unusual in the hills of Okayama. His research led him to create this highly decorative yet wildly natural glaze he came to call Hishhoku Nanban Yaki.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1459751 (stock #1879)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Overlapping crescents in pale colors decorate the textured white clay of this tall vase by Kamoda Taro enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated 1989 and titled Kaku (With Corners). It is 12 x 15.5 x 32 cm (5 x 6 x 12-1/2 inches) and in excellent condition, hand signed on the base in a colorful cartouche.
Kamoda Taro was born in Mashiko the eldest son of legendary ceramic artist Kamoda Shoji. The day to day of the family kiln was forced upon him with the early death of his father in 1983. He truly inherited his mentors penchant for innovation, and is constantly evolving new forms, patterns and glaze techniques. Eschewing the world of competitions, he has focused exhibitions in private galleries since his first solo exhibition in 1986.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1459323 (stock #1876)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A hard to find Silver Mist Series Chawan by Kondo Takahiro, enigmatic sgraffito under twilight blue covered in droplets of silver dew enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 9 cm (3-3/4 inches) tall, 10.5 cm (4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Kondo Takahiro (b. 1958) was born the grandson of Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo. However, he graduated Hosei University not with a degree in sculpture or crafts, but in Literature. From there he studied at the Kyoto Prefectural Technical Institute of Ceramics, followed by a year at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Research. 15 years later he would spend a year in Edinburgh studying glass making, and with this combination of skills, was born the silver mist series for which he is so highly acclaimed. Work by him is held in Museums throughout the world, including the National Museum of Scotland, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Museum of Arts & Design, New York, Spencer Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Art Gallery NSW, Sydney, Hamilton Art Gallery, Australia, Miho Museum. National Gallery of Victoria, Paramita Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Shigaraki, and The São Paulo Museum of Art, Brazil among others. Without a doubt one of the most important contemporary artists in Japan today. For more see Celestial Ceramics: The Art of Kondo Takahiro (2002)
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1457817 (stock #1874)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An unusual large bottle-shaped vase by Morino Taimei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is fawn-speckled blue on black-mottled tarnished silver, a striking combination. The shape of the mouth he has taken from traditional Korean forms. The vessel is 27 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Morino Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art!). In 1960 he received the prestigious Hokutosho prize at the same National Exhibition. In the early 60s he worked as a guest professor at the University of Chicago. Upon his return to Japan his career began to lift off with a second Hokutosho Prize at the Nitten, followed by the governor’s prize and others at the Gendai Kogei Ten (Modern National Crafts Exhibition). He was subsequently selected for display at the Kyoto and Tokyo Natby ional Museums in 1972 and was accepted into the first Nihon Togei Ten that same year. Since his list of exhibitions and prizes has continued to grow, with subsequent selections in the Tokyo and Kyoto museums of Art, as well as exhibitions in Paris, Italy, America, Canada, Denmark and others. In 2007 he received the Japan Art Academy Prize, an award to a work of art similar in weight to the bestowing of Living National Treasure to an artist. This puts the artist in a small club, rare and important. For more information on the artist see Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, Fired with Passion by (Lurie/Chan, 2006) or the recent exhibition of works titled Generosity in Clay from the Natalie Fitzgerald Collection.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1457098 (stock #1866)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A lot of drama in this crispy glazed tsubo deeply scored by the artists fingers, the trailing divets filled with running ash glaze by Murakoshi Takuma, two deep punctures in the side where it sank into the kiln supports, and a large artist performed gold repair where it had adhered to the kiln floor. The gold glimmers from the darkest part of the vessel, where it was charred black from laying in the embers. The fingerlets of flowing ash all circle the body, seeming to point out the flaw, accentuating the character. So raw, it speaks of another world, untamed. It is 37 cm (14-1/2 inches) tall, 33 cm (13 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. It comes with a wooden placard signed by the artist and titled Yakishime Hakkin-sai Otsubo (Unglazed Lage Tsubo with Gold).
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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1457056 (stock #1623)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An artist whose bold creations work well in a Western setting, here is a seminal piece decorated with huge white peony blossoms by Miyake Yoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nuki-e Kinsai Botan Mon Henko. Here the artist has set the luscious white flowers and leaves outlined in gold on a ground of rusty yellow, an intriguing combination. It is 27 x 15 x 34 cm (10-1/2 x 6 x 13-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition. It was exhibited at the 6th Japan Kogei Association Ceramics exhibition in 2007 and is published in the catalog (included).
Miyake Yoji was born in Shimane in 1950, He studied from 1974 under Ito Kosho, establishing himself as an independent artist three years later in Mashiko. In 1979 his work was accepted into the Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (New Exhibition of Traditional Crafts) and displayed there annually thereafter. In 1980 he was accepted into the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition), and many times thereafter. Again the following year he was accepted into yet another major exhibition with the Nihon Togei Ten (All Japan Ceramic Exhibition), once again followed up with repeated acceptance there. Yet in the 90s he turned away from the competitive world and began to concentrate more on private exhibitions, of which he has been hosted many times in some of Japans most prestigious galleries. He was also the subject of an NHK Television Documentary in 1998 and appeared in another in 2000.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1456915 (stock #1865)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Silver streaks the thickly potted blue sides of this large vase by important artist Morino (Hiroaki) Taimei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The patterns drape over the rim, and rise from the base like seaweed dancing in the current below a wavy line at the shoulder, the blue glaze filled with floating paler bubbles. The vessel is 28 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Morino Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art!). In 1960 he received the prestigious Hokutosho prize at the same National Exhibition. In the early 60s he worked as a guest professor at the University of Chicago. Upon his return to Japan his career began to lift off with a second Hokutosho Prize at the Nitten, followed by the governor’s prize and others at the Gendai Kogei Ten (Modern National Crafts Exhibition). He was subsequently selected for display at the Kyoto and Tokyo Natby ional Museums in 1972 and was accepted into the first Nihon Togei Ten that same year. Since his list of exhibitions and prizes has continued to grow, with subsequent selections in the Tokyo and Kyoto museums of Art, as well as exhibitions in Paris, Italy, America, Canada, Denmark and others. In 2007 he received the Japan Art Academy Prize, an award to a work of art similar in weight to the bestowing of Living National Treasure to an artist. This puts the artist in a small club, rare and important. For more information on the artist see Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, Fired with Passion by (Lurie/Chan, 2006) or the recent exhibition of works titled Generosity in Clay from the Natalie Fitzgerald Collection.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1456896 (stock #1864)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Frills, filigrees and draperies gather pell-mell near the peak of this evocative vessel by Kawabata Kentaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Loco. Consistent with this artists repertoire, the varying aspects are difficult to surmise in few words, raw clay, torn, cut, molded, squeezed and decorated with color in a variety of styles. It cocks its hip to one side, striking a sassy pose. A playful work to represent the eclectic style of this young man re-shaping the ceramic landscape, and serving as a pioneering representative of a younger generation. The vessel is 38 cm (15 inches) tall, 25 cm (10 inches) diameter. Imbued with a great deal of presence, it is in excellent condition.
Kawabata Kentaro was born in Saitama in 1976, and graduated the Ceramic Department of the Tokyo Designer Institute, which he followed up with two years at the Tajimi city Pottery Design and Technical Center, graduating in 2000 with a BFA. He was immediately recognized the following year with Grand Prize at the Oribe-no-kokoro, Ceramic exhibition. Since his works have been accepted into the Asahi Togeiten ceramic Exhibition tending toward sculptural forms. He has also been exhibited in the US, Berlin, Turkey, Paris, Romania, Korea, Switzerland and many other international venues. He received the Judges Award in 2002 at the Mashiko Ceramic Exhibition and also the Kamoda Shoji Award there in 2004, and Grand Prize at the Paramita Museum Ceramic Exhibition in 2007.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1456038 (stock #1862)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Wow! This is quite a tsubo by revivalist Takahashi Shunsai enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Kama Hana Tsubo. A wack of ash blasts the shoulder over raw shiseki studded terracotta clay scorched the color of bricks. Fired on its side, opposite is charred and covered in molten ash where it had been buried in the embers. This is truly a classic Shigaraki work down to the belt of cross hatches at the shoulder and two stage mouth. It is 26 cm (10 inches) tall, roughly the same diameter and in excellent condition.
Born in 1927, the second son of renowned potter Takahashi Rakusai III in Shigaraki, Takahashi Shunsai left home to study under Taniguchi Ryosai in Kyoto before returning to Shigaraki to pursue his studies of Shigaraki styles specifically under his father and spent the better part of two decades working from that studio. He established his own kiln in 1968. He has been displayed at the Nitten, Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition), Nihon Togei ten (National Ceramics Exhibition), Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, as well as a long list of private exhibitions at Japan’s top galleries. He has been often prized as a master of Shigaraki, and has been designated a Shiga Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property (Living Treasure) in 1995. This is possibly more important than the Living National Treasure designation, imbued as that selection is with rank and politic. The Prefectural version is truly representative of one’s merits as an artist and achievement.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1456008 (stock #1861)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A ghostly white crackle-glazed chawan by Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hakuyu Chawan (White Glazed Tea Bowl). It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter10 cm (4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It comes wrapped in a silk crepe pouch and retains the original artists shiori.
Shimizu Uichi (1926-2004) was born in Kyoto the son of a ceramic dealer. Discarding the family business, he apprenticed in plastic arts under future Living National Treasure Ishiguro Munemaro. His work retains some principal elements of his teachers style while incorporating an understated elegance and avant-garde spirit of challenge uncommon for his time. He was first exhibited at the Nitten in 1951, receiving numerous awards there since. He also took the gold medal at the Prague International Exhibition, and was at the Brussels World Exposition. He is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto Museum of Modern art, Clark Center and the Freer Gallery among many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455956 (stock #1860)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Vibrant red glaze is dribbled randomly across the scored and scarred light glazed body of this magnificent Chawan by Yamada Kazu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kaku-yu Oribe Chawan. The form is slightly belted, to allow the bowl to settle comfortably into the palm. The very traditional silhouette however has been paddled and graffiti structures scratched into the surface. Over this has been applied an overall white glaze, with black and red ladled out on top of that. It is 12 x 13 x 8.5 cm (4-3/4 x 5 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition. This is a prime example of the artist’s most popular style, and a great opportunity for the collector.
Yamada Kazu was born in Tokoname city in 1954, one of Japans ancient kiln areas, into a line of potters. He would have been influenced early on by his father, Yamada Kenkichi and uncle living National Treasure Yamada Jozan. He graduated the Osaka Art University before moving to Echizen to establish his first kiln. He was propelled to international fame after building an Anagama kiln in Germany in 1988. He has been displayed domestically at the Asahi Togeiten, Nihon Togeiten and Chunichi Kokusai Togeiten as well as a host of private exhibitions in prominent galleries and department stores , and his innovative forms and designs are in high demand.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455889 (stock #1858)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A hard to find water jar of rough clay scored and scarred and covered in cream colored glaze splashed with red by Yamada Kazu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kaku-yu Oribe Mizusashi. This style is distinct to this artist, and easily recognizable as his work. It is 22 cm (8-1/2 inches) tall, 20.5 cm (8 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Yamada Kazu was born in Tokoname city in 1954, one of Japans ancient kiln areas, into a line of potters. He would have been influenced early on by his father, Yamada Kenkichi and uncle living National Treasure Yamada Jozan. He graduated the Osaka Art University before moving to Echizen to establish his first kiln. He was propelled to international fame after building an Anagama kiln in Germany in 1988. He has been displayed domestically at the Asahi Togeiten, Nihon Togeiten and Chunichi Kokusai Togeiten as well as a host of private exhibitions in prominent galleries and department stores, and his innovative forms and designs are in high demand.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455755 (stock #1857)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A fabulous wavering form accentuates the fissured ice-like glaze of celadon master Uraguchi Masayuki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seiji Kokusho Mizusashi. The black lacquered lid is like a dark pool in the middle of the flaring body. The sleek shape is very much his own, and the deeply crackled glazes he employs have been developed over a lifetime of experimentation. His success rate with pieces like this does not exceed 30 percent, making them quite rare and difficult to acquire. This is 22.5 cm (9 inches) diameter, 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Uraguchi Masayuki (b. 1964) discovered pottery while attending the Tokyo National University of Fine Art and Music and his world turned when he was introduced to a Song Dynasty Seiji Vase" at the Tokyo National Museum designated a National Treasure during one of his art courses. After graduation he met (and studied under) living National Treasure for celadon Miura Koheiji at the Tokyo University of Art. Inspired by the Southern Song celadons as well as the work of Japanese master ceramists Itaya Hazan and Okabe Mineo, Uraguchi spent years personally researching his own celadon glazes and clay bodies types. He finished his post graduate program in 1989, claiming a prize that same year at the National Traditional Arts and Crafts New Works Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogei Shinsakuten). The following year he would b awarded at the Nitten National Exhibition. In 1991 he established his kiln in Tochigi prefecture. He has since received innumerable awards, including the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (Nihon Togeiten) among many others. In 1995 he travelled to China to study first-hand the Song guan and Longquan ceramics. In 2001 he moved his Kiln to Hachigocho, Ibaraki Prefecture
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455710 (stock #1856)
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Gold gleams in subtle wisps on the rim, and silver shimmers through tarnished metal glaze on this dark vessel by by Sakata Jinnai enclosed in the original signed wood box titled Saishoku Mizusashi. An intriguing combination of glazes over a modernist form, enigmatic patterns like fletching cascade down the dark sides, and iridescent clouds glimmer subtly on the surface with tinges of blue showing through about the shoulder. Amazing when moving in the light, it is very difficult to capture this in photographs. It is 15 cm (5-3/4 inches) diameter, 18.5 cm (7-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Sakata Jinnai was born in Tokyo in 1943, and began as an apprentice under the legendary Kamoda Shoji in 1964, establishing his first kiln in 1966. His work was selected for display at the Nihon Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (National Traditional New Crafts Exhibition) in 1969, and the following year the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition). In 1971 his work could be seen at the first Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition. This event would tour the United States and Canada as well. Two years later he would be seen there again, and this time the show would tour South America. In 1977 he would move away from the competitive world of mass exhibitions and focus more on private galleries. He was the first artist selected for display at the newly opened Takashimaya Gallery in New York in 1993. Work by him is held in the collection of the British Museum, Rockefeller Foundation, Sakuma Museum, Waseda Universty Museum, as well as some of Japans holiest sites such as Ise Shrine, Izumo Shrine, Takachiho Shrine, Yakushiji in Nara and both Kodaiji and Enryakuji Temples in Kyoto. Not limited to clay, he also works in painting, Washi hand made paper (from 1995), and glass (from 2000).
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455587 (stock #1854)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A fabulous large Mizusashi with a rugged, natural shape covered in cool blue and gray by Hagi icon Kaneta Masanao enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Hai-Kaburi Kurinuki Mizusashi. It is roughly 18.5 cm (7-1/4 inches) tall, 26.5 cm (10-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, complete with the artists shiori and shifuku.
Kaneta Masanao likely needs no introduction, certainly one of Hagi’s most well-known and easily identifiable names. Although an eighth-generation potter inheriting an overtly conservative tradition, he has transcended limitations, and was one of the first to begin carrying Hagi into the 21st century. His work evokes a distinct tension between both function and form, and technique and tradition. he has been displayed both nationally and internationally innumerable times. His pieces are in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum and Museum of Modern Art Brooklyn. He has been displayed at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten and Nihon Togei Ten among many many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455561 (stock #1581)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Gold nuggets gleam on the deep lavender and black surface of this organic form by Inayoshi Osamu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kurinuki Kinsai Mizusashi. Kinsai is literally gold color, and here the artist has embedded gold into the surface, allowing it to expand and bubble out in the heat of the firing process. The effect of this on the dark matt surface is both striking and original. Kurinuki is the technique of digging a form out of a block of clay, and once again here the artist has then textured the surface with stones. Inside is a striking liquid silver, quite something to see. It is 18cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter 19 cm (rouhly the same) height and in excellent condition, including the original shiori and Shifuku, directly from the artist this summer.
Inayoshi Osamu was born in Aichi prefecture, the heart of Mino country, in 1976. He completed his initial training in the plastic arts at the Seto Pottery School in 2002, garnering an award that same year at the 56th Seto City Art Exhibition. In 2007 he established his own kiln in Toyohashi, and was awarded at the 19th Heart of Oribe Pottery exhibition (again the following year). In 2008 he began to focus on the Atsumi pottery of the Heian and Kamakura periods, building up a unique repertoire. After several more domestic shows and prizes, he had his overseas debut in 2010, and has since received a great deal of attention both at home and abroad.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1455359 (stock #1849)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An exemplary form accentuating the beauty of the Shigaraki clay and drama which plays out within the kiln by Furutani Michio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Mizusashi. The piece is blasted with yellow and green flying ash from one side, the glaze drizzling down into the grays of the charred clay where it had been buried in the embers. Opposite sunburnt red raw terracotta, a vessel which gives a different pleasure from every angle. This was fired in an anagama (a tunnel kiln) by Master of that firing process; in fact he wrote the book on it. The Mizusashi is roughly 20 cm (8 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Furutani Michio is one of the Gods of Shigaraki, an artist who wrote the book on Anagama kilns, and one of the more influential artists of the second half of the 20th century. He was born in Shigaraki; graduating the Konan High School of industrial Arts, he moved to further his studies (like so many great artist before him, Kanjiro, Hamada…) at the Kyoto Institute of Industrial Arts in 1964. After breaking out on his own, he started by building an Anagama in Shigaraki in 1970, the first since the middle ages. He was a true pioneer, reviving the tradition and going on to build over thirty kilns over the next thirty years. No other artist has shown such singular dedication to a firing technique. He has been featured in the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition), Nihon Togei Ten (Japanese Ceramic Exhibition) and the Chunichi Kokusai Togei Ten among others. He passed away at the peak of his career. For more on this artists contributions see his book Anagama – Building Kilns and Firing.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455327 (stock #1578)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A superb example of this traditional shape by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Mizusashi. Glaze seems to be worn and deteriorated from centuries of use on the dark earthen surface. It is 18.5 cm (7-1/2 inches) Diameter, 19 cm (7-5/8 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Isezaki Jun was born the second son to the prominent Bizen family of Isezaki Yozan. With his older brother Mitsuru he studied the plastic arts under the fierce tutelage of his father. He has displayed consistently at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Japanese Crafts Exhibition) since 1961 and was recipient of the coveted Kaneshige Toyo prize. It was Jun who took up the work of Kaneshige Toyo upon his death, continuing to revitalize and innovate, combining functional forms and modern sculptural shapes. He was the teacher of a host of important artists including Kakurezaki Ryuichi, Wakimoto Hiroyuki and American artists Donna Gilliss among dozens of others. He was named a Living National Treasure (Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Intangible cultural property) in 2004.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1455223 (stock #1848)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A seminal Karatsu fresh water container by master of that style Nakagawa Jinenbo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Chossen Karatsu Mizusashi. Raw earth is supplanted with rich iron into which flows curtains of black into which flows rivulets of blue. Two lug handles drape from the sides and it retains the original ceramic lid. It is 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) diameter, 17.5 cm 7 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Nakagawa Jinenbo (1953-2011) was always fascinated with Karatsu ware, and studied under the great Inoue Toya from the age of 24. Several years later he returned to his hometown to establish a climbing kiln of his own, which he put to great use. From there, not satisfied with his own skills, he went to Tanaka Sajiro for an additional apprenticeship. Afterwards, as many Chajin artists, he concentrated on private exhibitions as an outlet for his work, shunning the world of mass competition and retail. His life and career were cut short far too early, making his work both highly valued and hard to find.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1454996 (stock #1846)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An iconic ash encrusted Iga Mizusashi by important artist Kanzaki Shiho enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Accented with soft blues and grays hidden among the heavy ash deposit. It comes with the original matching ceramic lid. The urn is 20 cm (8 inches) diameter, 19 cm 7-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
(Kanzaki Shiho (1942-2018) preferred firing his kiln for ten days, resulting in the rich textures and heavy ash deposits apparent on his work. He was born in Shigaraki, and was fast tracked into the Kansai University Law Department, but rather the life of a lawyer, after graduation he went with his heart to take up the precarious life of a potter, apprenticing under Mino artist Matsuyama Suketoshi. Later he returned to Shigaraki working there at the research center while developing his own style and methods with the Anagama. He consistently stayed with the personal world of private exhibitions, developing a large following both at home and abroad and his list of exhibitions is impressive. He has been the subject of several documentaries and Television interviews, and is widely published. For more information see, The Fire Artist, a documentary by Canadian Director Claude Gagnon. He unfortunately passed away last year and these may be the last pieces we have by him.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Contemporary item #1454932 (stock #1845)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A ceramic free standing architectural sculpture by Morino Taimei (Hiroaki) enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Work 88-30 Kaiheki (Matte Blue). The naïve modeling and playful use of colors make for a fun and energetic visual. Works from this series are held in the Brooklyn Museum and Manyoan Collection among others. Stoneware on wood stand, the ceramic slab is 20 x 3 x 27 cm (8 x 1-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches) plus the wooden base and is in perfect condition. It comes wrapped in the original stamped cloth pouch with the artists shiori.
Morino Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art!). In 1960 he received the prestigious Hokutosho prize at the same National Exhibition. In the early 60s he worked as a guest professor at the University of Chicago. Upon his return to Japan his career began to lift off with a second Hokutosho Prize at the Nitten, followed by the governor’s prize and others at the Gendai Kogei Ten (Modern National Crafts Exhibition). He was subsequently selected for display at the Kyoto and Tokyo Natby ional Museums in 1972 and was accepted into the first Nihon Togei Ten that same year. Since his list of exhibitions and prizes has continued to grow, with subsequent selections in the Tokyo and Kyoto museums of Art, as well as exhibitions in Paris, Italy, America, Canada, Denmark and others. In 2007 he received the Japan Art Academy Prize, an award to a work of art similar in weight to the bestowing of Living National Treasure to an artist. This puts the artist in a small club, rare and important. For more information on the artist see Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, Fired with Passion by (Lurie/Chan, 2006) or the recent exhibition of works titled Generosity in Clay from the Natalie Fitzgerald Collection.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1454776 (stock #1844)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A beautiful example of the iconic Zogan inlayed clay work of Takeuchi Shingo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The deep bowl swells in the midriff, closing at the rim to concentrate the aroma, with thin sides to allow the warmth to escape to the hands, a perfect bowl for winter tea. It is slightly elongated, 13 x 12 x 8.5 cm (5 x 4-3/4 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Takeuchi Shingo(b.1955) hails from Seto city, one of the oldest ceramic production centers in Japan. He studied at the Aichi Prefectural Ceramics Research Facility until 1979, then under the great Kato Shuntei II before establishing his own kiln in 1982. Exhibited at the Asahi Togeiten Ceramics Exhibition, Chunichi Kokusai International Ceramics Exhibition, Nihon Togeiten Ceramics Exhibition, and in innumerable galleries both at home and abroad. He is held in many private and public collections including the Seto Museum, The Korean International Ceramics Foundation, Yingge Ceramics Museum Taiwan and others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1454747 (stock #1843)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A deep tsutsu chawan by Omori Kenji in matte charcoal outside, soft, running pink within enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yakishime Chawan. It is 10.5 cm (4 inches) diameter, 9-9.5 cm (3-1/2 -3-3/4 inhces) tall. As it does not have a foot ring, it is decidedly deep, perfect for a cold winter day, and the warm colors inside, combined with the steaming green tea, would be fabulous.
Omori Kenji was born in Saitama prefecture in 1982 In 2005 he graduated the Tokyo Zokei Daigaku Garden Design department, and followed up with two years at the Tajimi Technical institute Isshoken. He currently lives and works in Tajimi, concentrating on private exhibitions as his venue.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1454649 (stock #1842)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Dripping with gold, this artist really takes things to the extreme, challenging and yet incorporating something of the idea of Wabi into his outlandish works. Here is an exceptional (and rare) large tsubo by Ichikawa Toru enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It features a surface of raised white bumps like ray or sharkskin. The form is rough, more a natural growth than some plotted design. Brilliant gold flows over the textured white. It is quite overpowering, and would become central to any contemporary ceramic collection. The tsubo is 31 cm (12 inches) tall, 27 cm (10-1/2 inches) diameter 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 : Vases : Contemporary item #1454230 (stock #1836)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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It is as if drifts of snow have piled up on the garden stones, leaving dark recesses filled with shadow in the low winter light, a fabulous Tsubo by Kimura Morinobu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuroji Kakewake Hakuyu Tsubo. It is 26 cm (10-1/4 inches) tall, 25.5 cm (10 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. This is one style for which Morinobu is very well known and unique to him.
Kimura Morinobu (b. 1932) was one of three born into a pottery family in Kyotos Higashiyama pottery district. He attended the Kyoto Municipal School of Art graduating from the sculpture division, and entered the Kyoto Ceramic Research Facility, the stomping grounds of so many of the brightest talents in modern Japanese Pottery. After apprenticing under both his brother, Morikazu, and Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi, he established his own kiln in 1967. His list of exhibitions is much too long to put down here, he was named an intangible Cultural Property (Mukei Bunkazai) of Kyoto Prefecture in 1992. Works by the artist are held in the Kyoto National Museum among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1454138 (stock #1834)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A large vase decorated with silver and gold orbs under blue by legendary female artist Ono Hakuko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yuri kin-gin sai Hana Tsubo. It is 34 cm (13-1/2 inches) tall, 29 cm (11-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, complete with Shiori and Shifuku.
From Aichi prefecture, Ono Hakuko was trained by her father initially in the ceramic arts. However, she was most strongly influenced by the great experimentive artist Kato Hajime (1901-1968) and his work with gold. This affected her own style deeply, and it can be said that she carried on his research. She was awarded the JCS award in 1980, one of Japans most prestigious ceramics awards. In 1992 she was named an important cultural asset (Juyo mukei bunkazai) of Saga prefecture. Bucking the traditional image here is another of Japans great cultural assets who fought against a system of prejudice to rise to the top and it is an honor to be able to offer something by her. For more on this important modern artist see Touch Fire, contemporary Japanese Ceramics by Women Artists (2009)
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1454085 (stock #1833)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A unique Yin and Yang vase splashed with two moons, one dark, one light, by Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yakishime Kakiwake Henko. The Ma or use of blank space (here the Yakishime raw clay) is quite unusual for this Mashiko potter. Kakiwake refers to the application of two glazes separated. The vessel is 23 cm (9 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) was born in Tokyo, and enrolled in the Tokyo Technical University at the age of 19. In 1918 he met the important British potter Bernard Leach, and the history of ceramic arts was forever changed. One of the most influential and sought after of all Japanese Ceramic artists. He was a significant influence on studio pottery of the twentieth century, and a driving force of the mingei folk-art movement. In 1955 he was designated a "Living National Treasure". There is no shortage of reading material for those who would like to learn more about this potter.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1454028 (stock #1831)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A fabulous wan-gata chawan on prominent foot reminiscent of the forms from his Okinawan experience by pottery legend Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuro-yu Sabi-zo Chawan. An undulating snake of rust color drapes from the rim over the glossy black glaze, the effect mirrored around the foot ring. It is 13 cm (5 inches) diameter, 8.8 cm (3-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) was born in Tokyo, and enrolled in the Tokyo Technical University at the age of 19. In 1918 he met the important British potter Bernard Leach, and the history of ceramic arts was forever changed. One of the most influential and sought after of all Japanese Ceramic artists. He was a significant influence on studio pottery of the twentieth century, and a driving force of the mingei folk-art movement. In 1955 he was designated a "Living National Treasure". There is no shortage of reading material for those who would like to learn more about this potter.