Catalog: Artists: Ceramics: Pottery (841)

A large footed Bizen slab by Isezaki Shin exhibited at the 13th Nihon Togei Ten in 1995 enclosed in the original signed wooden box and retaining the original exhibition labels. It is 52 x 51.5 x 8.5 cm (20 x 20-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in fine condition. This is the same year he was awarded at the 42nd National Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Shin Isezaki (b. 1965) is the second son of important Okayama Prefecture intangible cultural property Isezaki Mitsuru. Studied under his father from Junior High age, he was first recognized at the age of 24 when he was awarded at the 40th Okayama Ken-ten art exhibition in 1989. He has since exhibited with and or been prized at the Tanabe Art Museum Modern Forms in Tea Exhibition, Chugoku Dento Kogeiten Regional Art Exhibition, Nihon Togeiten National Ceramic Exhibition, Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and this all beforehe opened his own kiln in Inbe in 1999.

A deep Choho-zara rectangular dish decorated with morning glories in dark rust and red over yellow with a black rim, a striking combination by Kyoto female artist Takagi Hoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Created from a heavy slab, the sides were raised and carved with wave patterns covered in white with a raw base chiseled out in long horizontal strokes. On the base is a worn piece of paper which gives the artists address and names the work, leading one to believe this was exhibited. The dish is roughly 15 x 10 inches (37.5 x 26 cm) and is in excellent condition.

Air bubbles appear trapped in the glaze like a thin slab of ice. This is a fantastic Chozara by Inoue Yoshihisa enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It measures 30-1/2 x 9 x 1 inches (77 x 23 x 2.5 cm) and is in perfect condition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately for this item.
Yoshihisa (b. 1947) studied ceramics under Kiyomizu Rokube VI, certainly one reason for his emphasis on sculptural concerns. His work has often been accepted to the Nitten National Exhibition, as well as the All Japan New Crafts Exhibition where he received the Members prize, and the Kofukai-ten.

A museum worthy masterpiece by important Tamba artist Ogami Noboru enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is certainly eye-catching at 25 inches (63 cm) diameter and is in fine condition, dating from 1989, the same year he was awarded by Hyogo for his efforts to revive Tamba-yaki and protect its heritage. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Ogami Noboru (1929-2002) graduated the Kansai Gakuin University in 1951, and began his career in the Okuma Seitosho Ceramic Studio. His work was first exhibited at the prestigious Nitten in 1966 (and purchased by the Department of Foreign Affairs). He established his own kiln in 1968. In 1969 he first exhibited with the Nihon Dento Kogei-ten Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 1972 his work was purchased by the Takamatsunomiya branch of the Imperial family, and the following year he was first exhibited with the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition. In 1983 he was named a Nihon Dento Kogeishi Master Craftsman, and in 1999 his lifework was recognized with the Order of Cultural Merit from Hyogo prefecture. He has received numerous awards in local and National Exhibitions including the aforementioned Nitten and the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten National Exhibitions. His works have been purchased by the Office of foreign affairs as gifts to diplomats and to then president Jimmy carter (1977). For more on this artist see the article published in the 4th Daruma magazine (1994), pgs 31-38. He is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo among others. He is succeeded by his son and grandson, Ogami Yutaka and Ogami Yuki.

Amazing Glaze on this unusual three sided vase by Iga artist Atarashi Kanji enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Shell shapes are impressed into the thick green fromwhere it was supported in the kiln. Able to be used either standing or on its back, this is a superb work. It is 15 inches (39 cm) long 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches (11.5 x 14 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Kanji was born in Osaka in 1944, and graduated the Osaka College of Craft design. After 3 years in Kobe, and 4 in Kishiwada (Wakayama) he came to settle in Iga, where he was one of the driving forces behind the resurrection and preservation of the Iga tradition. Although displayed at the National Craft Exhibition, he prefers the intimacy of the private exhibition, of which he holds several every year. And if ones visit to japan is not timed right for an exhibition, he can otherwise be found at his kiln working along with his son and daughter.

Red tinges the deeply fissured celadon on this massive basin by Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seiji Benisai Hachi (Celadon with red flamed Basin). Rising from a narrow foot, the piece seems to float in the air, gold and red shining through the cracks in the fissured glaze. It is 18 inches (46 cm) diameter, 4-1/2 inches (11.5 cm) tall and in fine condition. Due to size and weight this piece will require special shipping consideration.
Shimizu Uichi (1926-2004) was born in Kyoto the son of a ceramic dealer. Discarding the family business he apprenticed in plastic arts under 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 others.

A fine Nerikomi work by Living National Treasure Matsui Kosei (1927-2003) enclosed in the original signed and stamped wooden box. The surface has a soft sheen, like the effect of being carved from gray marble. It measures 17 x 12 x 3 inches (43 x 30.6 x 7 cm), in perfect condition. Matsui was born in 1927, beginning his ceramic studies in 1946. In 1957, he became a priest at the Getsusoji Temple, where in 1960 he built a kiln so he could research traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean ceramics. Subsequently, he became famous for neriage (designs in colored clays mixed together), based on Tang Dynasty Chinese techniques. In 1993, he was declared a Living National Treasure for his efforts in Neriage.

Waves of color belt this unusual form by Usui Kazunari enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 20 inches (50 cm) tall, roughly 8 inches (20 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Usui Kazunari was born in Seto city, Aichi in 1954, and graduated the Nagoya University of Art, sculpture division in 1977. He immediately apprenticed under Kato Shuntei, where he remained until establishing his own kiln in 1983. He has been often displayed at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten and Nihon Togeiten. In 1996 one of his works was chosen to travel overseas with the Contemporary KŌGEI Styles in Japan Exhibition (Gendai Nihon no Kogei Ten). He has received many awards, including top prize at the Tokai Dento Kogeiten (twice).

An exquisite pottery form by Kawase Takeshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hakuji Hori Hanamoyo Sara. The fluted edge rises around a central garden filled with scrolling florals. It is 14 inches (35 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Kawase Takeshi (1953-2007) was born the second son of Kawase Chikushun II in Kanagawa prefecture. He began in the family kiln, eventually breaking off to establish his own kiln in 1986. He was the subject of a television show in 1999, and was ascending to greatness when he died suddenly at the age of 54. He is remembered for Hakuji, Aka-e and Kinsai styles.

Although I do not often use the term, this is a masterpiece by Iga artist Banura Shiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Even under the glaze the texture of the clay is clearly visible, rivulets of green glass arching around the body with slashes of color over the red terracotta. It is thin walled and quite light beguiling the size. The Tsubo is 15 inches (38 cm) tall, roughly 13-1/2 inches (35 cm) diameter and is in excellent condition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately for this piece.
Shiro was born the fourth son of Living National Treasure for Lacquerware. His sensitivity to textures may stem from that exacting influence. Although his older brother succeeded the family tradition (another branching into paper arts), Shiro, after graduating the Kyoto University of Fine Art, apprenticed in the plastic arts under Kawamura Kitaro (1899-1966). He has an impressive list of exhibitions, including a private exhibition at the Umeda Kindai Bijutsu-Ten as well as the Niponbashi Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, and Ikebukuro Tobu, the equivalent of being displayed on New Yorks Fifth Avenue or other cities most Trendy streets, as well as many international exhibitions. Like most Iga-area artists, his output is low, but quality and originality high, making his work very much in demand.

Try describing this incredible Mizusashi covered in glassy Oribe green glaze by important artist Hayashi Shotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Spectacular is all that comes to mind. It is entirely sculptural, with a refinement of glaze only this artist can create. The piece is 7 inches (18 cm) tall, 9 inches (23 cm) diameter and in perfect condition. Shotaro (b. 1947) is one of the biggest names in contemporary Mino ceramics. He first began with a 7 year apprenticeship under his older brother Kotaro, ending when 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 among many many others.

A large Oshimon Kaki Vase by Ota Itaru enclosed in the original signed wooden box exhibited at the 9th Nihon Togei Ten National Exhibition. The entire surface is impressed with inverse pyramids, and patterned with dark and light triangles. An incredibly exacting design perfectly executed. The vase measures 16 inches (40 cm) tall, 11 inches (28 cm) diameter and is in fine condition. It comes with the original placard from the exhibition, as well as a copy of the exhibition catalog, and a clipping from the Mainichi Shinbun Newspaper in which the piece is visible in a photograph.
Born into the tumultuous post war era in 1948, Ota Itaru was subjected to the breakdown and rebuilding of Japanese society and culture throughout his early life. He graduated the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1972, and opened his own kiln in 1975. He has since displayed at the Nihon Togeiten (National Ceramics Exhibition), Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition), Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (Traditional Crafts New Exhibition) and has been awarded Governors prize at the Saitama Prefectural Exhibition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be assessed separately from the list price.

A huge Yakishime vessel by modern ceramicist Mihara Ken (b. 1958) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. This piece has an almost haunting presence, the hada sandy and rough, you would think it could crumble in your hands, yet is fired so hot it rings like a bell when tapped. The dark grays and raw earth tones add to that sense of mystery, like something ancient discovered in a dark cave. The vase is 14-3/4 inches (37.5 cm) tall and 11-1/4 (28.5 cm) diameter and in perfect condition. Ken was born in Shimane prefecture in 1958, and apprenticed under Funaki Kenji at the age of 23. He has been exhibited and or prized at the All Japan Ceramic Exhibition (Nihon Togei Ten), Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogei Ten) as well as the Tanabe Museum Chanoyu no Zokei Ten (Modern tea forms Sculpture Exhibition). He has displayed in both Europe and America and is held in the permanent collection of the Tanabe Museum of Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art among others.

An exquisite deep blue covers the dark iron-rich clay of this Shino Vase by Kato Toyohisa enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ash Purple “no” Glaze Vase. Here he plays with sound, substituting the character for purple (shi) for the usual character Shi in Shino. It is 11-1/2 inches (28 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Toyohisa was born in 1962. His work is both original and fresh and his challenging pursuit of Mino ceramics is evident in both his contemporary pieces and his traditional ones. He first exhibited at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition in 1983, and was awarded the rising star award. That same year he was awarded at the Tajimi City (home to innumerable Mino potteries) Art Exhibition. He has also exhibited and or been prized at the Tokai Dento Kogei ten, Mino Togei Ten, Issui Kai Ten and Gendai Chato Ten (modern Tea Ceramics Exhibition). In addition is a long list of Private exhibitions both domestic and abroad.

Blasted and dripping with ash, a spectacular Shigaraki Mizusashi by Tanimoto Yo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. A shell juts from raw rippled wood lid like it was sticking up from the ripples of sand on a beach. It is 21.5 cm (8-1/2 inches) tall 18.5 cm (7 inches) diameter and in fine condition. 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 uphis 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.
The box has been once broken and repaired, the mizusashi undamaged.

Charred glaze runs in rivulets, blasted around the sides of this Kamahen Bizen vase by Yamamoto Izuru enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vessel is 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall, roughly 5 inches (13 cm) diameter and in excellent condition.
Yamamoto Izuru was born into the family of famous potter Yamamoto Toshu in 1944. He graduated the sculpture division of Musashino University, then went on to Paris for another two years of sculpting before returning to Bizen to apprentice under his father in plastic arts in 1970. He set out on his own path in 1975, establishing his own kiln. In 1980 he was prized at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition. His recognition grew in the eighties, being prized at both the Chunichi Kokusai Ceramics Exhibition and having a piece displayed at the Smithsonian and V&A in 1983, then garnering the Kaneshige Toyo prize in 1985, and subsequently acquired by the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 1987. In 1995 he built a kiln in Bourgogne France, working with clays from both regions, and this piece is from that period, dating circa 2,000. He has also been the winner of the 19th grand prize at the Tanabe Museum Modern Tea Forms Exhibition and was given the Cultural Award by Okayama Prefecture in 1997. He was named an intangible cultural property of Okayama Prefecture in 2012.

A striking Tetsu-yu Kakiwake Kabin by Shimizu Yasutaka enclosed in the original signed wooden box and accompanied by the original autographed exhibition catalog from 2007. The vessel is featured as item number 1 in the catalog, the star of the show and obviously very important to the artist to have earned such placement. It stands 16 inches (42 cm) tall, 11 inches (29 cm) diameter and is in excellent condition.
Yasutaka was born into the pottery household of future Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi in 1947. Although always involved in pottery, he began his official apprenticeship in the plastic arts under his fathers tutelage after graduating Ryukoku University in 1971. One year later his first piece was accepted in National competition at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten). The following year he was awarded the first of many awards at the second Kinki Area Nihon Kogei Kai Exhibition. In 1975 he was accepted into the Nihon Togei Ten (National Ceramics Exhibition). He has a constant following in the world of Private exhibitions, and his work is held by Kyoto Prefecture. Due to size the cost of shipping will be assessed separately from the list price.

molten ash streaks around the form of this superb Shigaraki Tsubo enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating circa 1996 by pottery legend Furutani Michio. It is 8 inches (20.5 cm) diameter, 8-1/2 inches (21 cm) tall and in fine 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.

Striking black flashes of oil-spot glaze surface on this Tetsu-yu Tessai Tsubo by Shimizu Yasutaka enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The speckeled Rust red-orange body is like looking on fire or smoldering coals from a distance. The pot is 14 inches (35 cm) tall, 12 inches (30 cm) diameter and in fine condition, purchased at the Mitsukoshi Department Store Gallery Exhibition in 2006. Yasutaka was born into the pottery household of future Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi in 1947. Although always involved in pottery, he began his official apprenticeship in the plastic arts under his fathers tutelage after graduating Ryukoku University in 1971. One year later his first piece was accepted in National competition at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten). The following year he was awarded the first of many awards at the second Kinki Area Nnihon Kogei Kai Exhibition. In 1975 he was accepted into theNihon Togei Ten (National Ceramics Exhibition). He has a constant following in the world of Private exhibitions, and his work is held by Kyoto Prefecture.

A large and rare work by Sueoka Nobuhiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is decorated with huge magnolia flowers (in Japanese mokuren,the tree lotus) growing up one side, and hanging down the other like the traditional opposing dragons. The piece is 16 inches (40 cm) tall and in excellent condition
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.

A black lacquered lid covers the opening of this exquisite mizusashi by Tsukigata Nahiko enclosed in a wooden box titled Oni Shino Mizusashi and endorsed by his student Ayukai Kogetsu. It is 7-1/2 inches (19 cm) diameter, 6 inches (15.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Tsukigata Nahiko (1923-2006) was not only an accomplished ceramic artist, but also a painter, calligrapher, sculptor and musician. Born in Niigata prefecture, he was at Waseda University in 1941 when he was summarily drafted into the Army. After the war he attended the Arts course of Nippon Daigaku University and was struck by the works of Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo, to whom he apprenticed in the arts of Shino and took his mentors work to a new level. Like all art, his was alive and always evolving. Starting with the replication and research of Momoyama techniques to the culmination of his efforts in Oni-shino, Nahiko has taken Shino beyond all others. It was not an easy road, for the first 15 years he worked for a ballet school, spent time as a recluse priest at Myoanji temple, and wandered the country playing the shakuhachi. It was a time of great change in Japan, starvation was rampant immediately after the war and supporting oneself through the little known art of Shino-yaki was difficult. However he persevered, along with Toyozo, Kato Juuemon, Kato Kohei and others, to bring Shino to the forefront of ceramic arts. Heavily prized domestically and abroad in his lifetime, his low output and unique quality make his work a must have for collectors. Ayukai Kogetsu was a female artist from Miyagi prefecture who became a student and follower of Tsukigata in 1979. She currently takes part in calligraphy and ceramic exhibitions throughout Japan.

A large mizusashi extolling thevirtues of True Momoyama Bizen by Abe Anjin enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The iron like quality of the work comes from the temperature at which Anjin fires, 200 degrees higher than most Bizen potters. Scars and interconnecting symbols harken back to the days of group firing and kiln marks. The piece is 7-1/2 inches (19 cm) diameter, 7 inches (18 cm) tall and in excellent condition. Very rare!
Born in Osaka in 1938, the mysterious recluse began his artistic carreer as an oil painter training under Miyamoto Saburo. Although best known for his Momoyama inspired Bizen works, he began delving into the pottery world with Raku, then moved into Shigaraki and Bizen, firing from a kiln in Ehime prefecture, then Okayama and has also fired Nanban ware. Works by the artist are held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto as well as the Imperial Household Collection among many others.

Rich rivulets of stunning green crystallize on the surface of this tokkuri sake-bottle by important Mino artist Hayashi Kotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The bottle is roughly 6 inches (15.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Kotaro was born in Gifu prefecture, and graduated the prefectural ceramic facility. He was displayed at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition), Asahi Togei Ten Ceramics Exhibition and Chunichi Kokusai Togeiten among others. He was called the hope of Mino ceramics, but that hope was shattered when he died at the young age of 41 when his genius was just　coming to fruition Great fortune for the rest of the world, he had passed on his knowledge to younger brother Hayashi Shotaro, before taking leave of this life.

A strong form has been carved from this block of rough shigaraki clay, a seven sided vessel absent of glaze yet filled with the vibrant colors and textures of the kiln. It is an early work by Shigaraki star Kohyama Yasuhisa amd comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It measures 7 inches (18 cm) tall, 4-1/2 inches (11.5 cm) across and is in fine condition.
Yasuhisa was born in Shigaraki and grew up among the kilns. After working in ceramics design and industrial kilns, he established the first anagama to be opened in Shigaraki in modern times in 1968. It is he who can be credited with the boom in revisiting the submerged kilns throughout Japan that has given so much to contemporary ceramics here, and he has developed a great many kilns in and around the Shigaraki valley since. He is held in the Cleveland Museum of Arts among others.

A large organic Kurinuki Mizusashi in deep rich lavender glaze with ash charring by Kaneta Masanao enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 10 x 9-1/2 x 8 inches (25 x 24 x 20 cm) and in fine condition, dating circa 1995. Kaneta Masanao (born 1953) likely needs no introduction, certainly one of Hagi’s most well known names, he has been displayed both nationally and internationally innumerable times including the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Nihon Togei Ten National Ceramics Exhibtion, Chunichi Kokusai Togeiten Ceramics Exhibition, . His pieces are in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum and Museum of Modern Art Brooklyn. Ise Shrine, home to the Japanese Gods, holds a Tea Bowl by him as well.

A large swirling form covered in fissured celadon by Minegishi Seiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The glaze is amazing to behold, the layers shattered into thousands of transparent crystallized flakes stacked upon one another. It is roughly 12 inches (31 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Born in 1952 in Saitama, Minegishi Seiko studied under various masters in Nagano, Tochigi and Ibaragi, going solo at the young age of 22. He worked in Kohiki ware initially, but moved to celadon, and is considered one of a select few true masters of that form in Japan today. He moved his kiln from Saitama to Nasu in Tochigi in 1993, and has since exhibited with the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten, Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten and Nihon togeitenamong others. A piece by this artist sold at Christies (sale 5579, lot 349) for 1,750 pounds (2,970 dollars). For more see issue 21 of Daruma Magazine.

A powerful Mimitsuki Karatsu Mizusashi by Nakagawa Jinembo (Jinenbo b. 1953) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Vicious white glaze, deeply fissured, supplants the fawn brown of the back, all over a very rough red clay filled with shiseki stones. The piece breathes energy, vivacious and playful it is a pleasure to view and use. The lid is similarly glazed, with hakeme brush marks inside. The piece is roughly 7 inches (18 cm) tall, the same diameter and in perfect condition.
Jinembo 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 work skills, he went to Tanaka Sajiro for an additional apprenticeship. Since he has, as many Chajin artists, concentrated on private exhibitions as an outlet for his work, shunning the world of mass competition and retail, making his work both highly valued and hard to find.

How to describe the texture on this very unusual vase? It is porous, like a thick coat of lichen on the surface. This is one of the many unusual pieces we have come to expect from the artist Koinuma Michio, ever a surprise! The body is sculpted with thick undulating lines in relief, and covered with this earth-toned porous glaze. It is 10 inches (26 cm) tall, 12 x 5-1/2 inches (31 x 14 cm) and is in excellent condition. It is stamped on the base by the artist and signed Koinuma Michio, S. 50 6 5 (June 5th 1975) Mashiko. The Kiri-wood box is not signed.
Michio is a compelling figure unique among contemporary artists. He seems to have no limit to his imagination and creativity, still dazzling us with new concepts after four decades. Born in the hectic war years in 1936, he is incredibly intelligent, graduating the economics department of Osaka University, then on to Waseda for graduate studies, one of the top three schools in Japan. Relinquishing that life he opened a kiln in Mashiko in 1970. Since 1978 he has been consistently displayed at the best galleries in Japan, as well as overseas. For more see Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Fired with Passion (ISBN -10: 1-891640-38-0) or To volume 10, which is dedicated entirely to him.

A superb Iga Mizusashi by Saji Kotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 7 inches (18 cm) diameter, 7-1/2 inches (19 cm) tall and in excellent condition. Saji Kotaro was born in 1947, and relocated to Tajimi in 1977 where he opened a kiln in Yamabuki cho specializing in tea ceramics.

Nothing I can say can convey the rugged beauty locked up in the capitulating form of this tall Shigaraki vase by Tsujimura Shiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The glaze runs down in tremulous glass drips over the charred and blackened surface scored and scarred. It is Zen! The vase is 10 inches (25 cm) tall, 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter and is in excellent condition.
Tsujimura Shiro was born in Nara in 1947, and began his steps into the art world as an oil painter. While living at a Buddhist temple he experienced a profound connection with a Korean Tea Bowl, and began potting. He is highly acclaimed and somewhat reclusive, avoiding the public spectacles often needed to make one in Japan.

A lidded vessel of diamond form decorated with a circle and square viewed through vertical blinds of changing colors beaded with silver dew by Kondo Takahiro. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box enclosed inside a red lacquered outer wooden box (Niju Tomobako) dating circa 2002. The piece measures 7-1/2 x 4 x 10 inches (19 x 11 x 25 cm) and is in perfect condition.
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)

Each uniquely carved row of frets on this large textured vase is a variegated shade of raw clay by Mihara Ken enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The vase is 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall, 8-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches (22 x 14.5 cm) and dates circa 1994. Ken was born in Shimane prefecture in 1958, and apprenticed under Funaki Kenji at the age of 23. He has been exhibited and or prized at the All Japan Ceramic Exhibition (Nihon Togei Ten), Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogei Ten) as well as the Tanabe Museum Chanoyu no Zokei Ten (Modern tea forms Sculpture Exhibition). He has displayed in both Europe and America and is held in the permanent collection of the Tanabe Museum of Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art among others.

Encrusted in blue glass, this Iga Tokkuri by Furutani Kazuya is a pleasure to see and hold. It is 5 inches (12. Cm) tall, 3 inches (8.5 cm) diameter and in perfect condition, enclosed in the original signed wooden box.
Kazuya (b. 1976) is one of Japan’s most promising young stars. He graduated the Yamaguchi College of Art in 1997, and spent a year at the ceramics research facility in Kyoto before returning to work under his father, Furutani Michio, in Shigaraki. His Father’s sudden death in 2000 pushed Kazuya to the fore, and left him with big shoes to fill. That he has done! Building three Anagama in the following decade and displaying with the National Ceramics Exhibition and a number of private affairs in some of Japan’s top venues.

A dark charred Chosen Karatsu kamahen Mimitsuku Mizusashi by Nishioka Koju (b. 1918) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. All is deeply coated in thick burnt ash. Red shows through rivulets of dark olive burnt to the side of the body. The raw clay is visible through the thick ash drips on one side. It has a custom black lacquered wooden lid and is in fine condition but for the handle on the lid, which was broken and repaired. It is 6 inches (15.5 cm) tall, 7 inches (17.5 cm) diameter and in perfect condition. Koju was born in Saga prefecture, and after participating in kiln research began working in Karatsu style ceramics around 1950 in a kiln he built that was named by Koyama Fujio. To this kiln came Fujiwara Kei and Arakawa Toyozo, the latter from whom he received the name Koju. He always avoided the world of large scale exhibitions in favor of small personal spaces, always preferring the private exhibition. Despite this, his reputation was impeccable and he was rated as one of the most influential people in Japanese ceramics by Honoho Magazine. His work is contained in the Polk museum, the Cleveland Museum as well as many other important collections. He is one of the most highly valued of the Karatsu artists, and his recent passing will leave a hole hard to fill in the Japanese ceramic world.

This natural form is charred and blackened, rivulets of glaze running like lava down the side, a seminal work by veteran Shigaraki artist Minagawa Takashi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 15 x 13 x 19 cm (6 x 5 x 8 inches) and is in fine condtion.
Takashi was borni in Shigaraki in 1930, and raised among the many kilns in the valley. He apprenticed under Komori Shoan, and uses both climbing and Subteranian kilns to the extent that no one is said to be able to approach his kiln effects. His work is exhibited in Japan’s top galleries, including Kuroda Toen (Ginza) and a host of Department store galleries.

A superb work by Japanese Living National Treasure Hara Kiyoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating circa 1985. It is 14 inches (35 cm) diameter, roughly the same height and in fine condition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Hara Kiyoshi (b. 1936) was born in Shimane, and studied pottery under Living National Treasures Ishiguro Munemaru and Shimizu Uichi from 1954 before establishing his own kiln, first in Tokyo, then later in Saitama. He was first selected for exhibit at the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1958. In 63 he first exhibited at the Asahi Togeiten Ceramics Exhibition. Since his work has received much attention,both within Japan and abroad in Europe, The Americas and Asia. He received the Japan Ceramic Society prize in 1975, and was named a Living National Treasure for Tetsu-yu in 2005 and is recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun.