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 : Contemporary item #1466357 (stock #YOKO22)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A surprisingly relaxed cup with steep sides decorated both inside and out with a single joined black brush trace by Shigemori Yoko enclosed in a signed wooden box. It is covered in a millet colored glaze with a crawling dry black line circling the body. The form is slightly slumped on one side, exuding an unperturbed confidence. It is roughly 7.5 cm (3 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, in a box annotated by her nephew.
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student, at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, The first issue dedicated to Kyoto Potters. Toh was at the time the most in depth survey of important contemporary potters published in 1993. Her work is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1466355 (stock #YOKO45)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Wide vibrant swatches of tangerine decorate this pouring vessel by Shigemori Yoko enclosed in a signed wooden box titled Shuchu (literally alcohol pourer). It is 11.5 x 14 x 8 cm and comes in a wooden box signed by her brother.
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student, at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, The first issue dedicated to Kyoto Potters. Toh was at the time the most in depth survey of important contemporary potters published in 1993. Her work is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1466354 (stock #YOKO16)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Brisk black lines like waves circle the sand textured pouring vessel by Shigemori Yoko enclosed in a signed wooden box titled Shuchu (literally alcohol pourer). It is 11.5 x 14 x 8.5 cm and comes in a wooden box signed by her brother Naoki.
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student, at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, The first issue dedicated to Kyoto Potters. Toh was at the time the most in depth survey of important contemporary potters published in 1993. Her work is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1466353 (stock #YOKO5)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A chawan decorated with dramatic geometrics by Shigemori Yoko enclosed in a signed wooden box titled Square Triangle Circle Chawan. The brushwork is clearly spontaneous, as the best of the Zen artists of centuries past. Lines scored into the surface are improviso, the entire impulsive without being overbearing, freehand and spur of the moment. There is no sense of premeditation. The bowl is 14.5 cm diameter, 8 cm tall and in excellent condition enclosed in a box annotated by her nephew.
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student, at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, The first issue dedicated to Kyoto Potters. Toh was at the time the most in depth survey of important contemporary potters published in 1993. Her work is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1466349 (stock #YOKO50)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Brisk inky swirls have been struck into the milky white sides of this large bowl titled San-nin-mawashi Chawan (Teabowl for 3) by Shigemori Yoko enclosed in a signed wooden box. As would be expected of this artist, the work is spontaneous and energetic with no sense of caution or hesitation. The base is thick and solid, the entirety exuding a sense of confidence and strength. It is 15 cm (6 inches) diameter, 11.5 cm (4-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition, the box annotated by her nephew. In some traditions tea was made in a large bowl and passed from hand to hand, each person taking a sip. A bit like passing the mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving…
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student, at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, The first issue dedicated to Kyoto Potters. Toh was at the time the most in depth survey of important contemporary potters published in 1993. Her work is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1466166 (stock #1975)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A striking floral image decorates this odd shaped guinomi made to not be put down by Mizumoto Kayoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Obana Guinomi. An Obana is a male flower, or a flower with only stamens and no pistils; lacking female reproductive function. The cup is 6.5 x 12 x 7 cm (2-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 3 inches) and is in excellent condition, dating from last year.
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 : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1466022 (stock #1972)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Marbled porcelain clay in lavender and black in wavelike scales form this sake set by Kusaba Yuji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nerito Kuro Namimon Shuki Soroi (Matching Sake set of Marbled Black Clay). This is absolutely perfect for summer sake, the shape is open allowing quick pours and the high fired clay keeps cool, passing on the chill through your fingers as you pour. The cup is 7 cm diameter, 5.5 cm tall (just more htan 2 inches), the Katakuchi 8.7 cm diameter, 9.5 cm (just less than 4 inches) tall. Both are in excellent condition, new from the artist.
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 : Pre 2000 item #1466000 (stock #1971)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An absolute classic natural ash glazed sake bottle by the reclusive potter Oasako Mikio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hai Yu Tokkuri (ash glazed flask). Much of the dark surface is raw clay, with coals charring the front and tremulous tears of liquified ash dripping down both inside and out. It is 12 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Osako Mikio (1940-1995), born in Usa Oita prefecture on the Island of Kyushu, arrived at ceramics late in life, starting to study with Ezaki Issei at the Tokonmane ceramic Research Center in 1968 and staying with his teacher until he built his first kiln in 1982.. He received Grand Prize at the International Biennial of Ceramics in Vallauris, France in 1972. Known for his yakishime and ash glazed pottery, His profound understanding of wood firing, post firing and pottery in general was exceptional and his forms and surfaces are mature beyond his years of experience. A fitting quote by Dr. Frederick Baekeland from the catalogue; Modern Japanese Ceramics in American Collections, sums up the true nature of the potter and his pots; “The strong, conventional potting and rich sobriety of Osako’s ceramics appeal to modern taste and accords well with the aesthetic canons of the tea ceremony.”
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1465681 (stock #1965)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A gourd shaped black Bizen Tokkuri by Oiwa Tomoyuki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuro Tokkuri. A pleasure to view, the off-kilter form is blasted with powdery dry ash on one side which turns to molten rivulets on the edges crawling around to bead up on the opposite dark shiny clay. The Tokkuri 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Acquired on our recent trip to Bizen in June.
Oiwa Tomoyuki was born in Hyogo prefecture in 1977, and graduated the Bizen Ceramic Center in 2004. The following year he came to study under the outsider Kakurezaki Ryuichi, where he would remain for 8 years, garnering a lifetime worth of knowledge from the master before going independent. In 2014 he built a half-submerged tunnel kiln (anagama), completing his first firing in 2015. He has since been featured widely and is known for sell out shows, especially for his sake vessels.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1465227 (stock #1957)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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An astounding work of singular design by renowned Shigaraki pioneering female artist Koyama Kiyoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen-yu Ryukoku Tsubo (Natural Ash Glazed Carved Flowing Tsubo). The voluminous work is like a seed pod, rising up in tapering lines to an undulating open mouth. The body is covered in rich green ash glaze, flowing down the wavering clefts to pour out and collect in thin crystalline pools. I have never seen another work like this by the artist. It is marked with her incised Ki signature on the base. The vessel is 33 cm tall and in excellent condition.
Koyama Kiyoko was the subject of the film Hi-Bi (2005) and the recent NHK television drama Scarlet. She is the preeminent pioneering female wood firing artist in Japan. Born in Sasebo, Nagasaki in 1938, she went to Shigaraki village, home of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. There she studied the traditional techniques, and bore the brunt of centuries of discrimination against women. Through it all she persevered to become one of the most highly sought of Shigaraki potters. For more on her works see Modern Japanese Ceramics in American Collections, Japan Society New York, 1993
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Pre 2000 item #1465128 (stock #1956)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A masterpiece by Otani Shiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Hai-Kaburi Tsubo (Ash blanketed Jar). Breathtaking, it appears straight from the inferno. With so much going on, the thick textured embers almost purple in color, encrustations covering the surface with a blast of molten ocher glaze on one side rivulets of color dripping down. It would wow the crowds in any museum exhibition and is the best piece I have ever owned by this legendary potter. The vessel is 24 cm (9-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. It was originally made for his 40th anniversary exhibition held at Takashimaya Department Store and is published in the catalog; catalog included.
Otani Shiro was born in Shigaraki in 1936 and graduated the Prefectural School in the ceramics department in 1956, which he followed up with 4 years studying decorating techniques under Morioka Yutaro. He then moved to Kyoto where he studied at the Municipal Ceramics Research Facility, where he trained under Kiyomizu Kyubei, Shofu Eichi and Uchida Kunio before returning to Shigaraki to yet further his studies in design. He garnered his first award at the Shiga Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1962, as well as the Governor’s prize at the National Rodosha Bijutsu-Ten Exhibition. He took a position with an industrial kiln in Shigaraki in 1963, and began potting in his free time, exhibiting and being awarded at the Asahi Togeiten among others. In 1968, he left his position at the kiln, and in 1969 was first accepted into the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten). In 1973 he established his own kilns in Shigaraki, both an Anagama submerged kiln and a climbing kiln, and began learning from future Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi. From there he participated in the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National crafts Exhibition) as well as innumerable private exhibitions both domestic and International, and was named an Intangible Cultural Asset of Shigaraki in 1990. His work is held in The Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Fogg Art Gallery of Harvard as well as the Morikami Museum and Smithsonian among others. For an in depth look at this potter see the article by Rob Barnard in Ceramics Monthly volume 39 (Summer 1991).
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1465067 (stock #1953)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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This guinomi by Watanabe Takuma complements the gourd-like Sake Server currently being offered. It feels as if it has been hewn from a lump of wood, the texture of tree bark on the fingers striking a natural accord with the gourd-like sense of the overturned bottle. has a variegated surface like patched together metal plates, with brilliant coloration. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Sake-nomi. It is roughly 6 cm (2-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition acquired this summer from the artist.
Watanabe Takuma was born in Hyogo prefecture in 1968, and after graduating Kansai Daigaku University in 1991, began studying Bizen ware under Yamauchi Atsushi. In 1996 he entered the Bixen Toen Kiln. Shortly thereafter he began exhibiting and has receied numerous awards at the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition (Okayama Ken Bijutsu ten), National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten), Issui-kai-ten, as well as being selected for the influential Tanabe Museum Modern Forms in Tea Exhibition among others. He built his own kin in 2006.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1465048 (stock #1952)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A spouted Bottle shaped sake server by veteran potter Wtanabe Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Shuki. The artist has taken the idea of the Tokkuri and turned it on its side; literally. He has thrown a bottle, then cut away one side, leaving a thin strip to serve as a handle. The bottom slightly dimpled and voila! A Katakuchi is born. It is roughly 16 cm (6 inches) long and in excellent condition acquired this summer from the artist.
Watanabe Takuma was born in Hyogo prefecture in 1968, and after graduating Kansai Daigaku University in 1991, began studying Bizen ware under Yamauchi Atsushi. In 1996 he entered the Bixen Toen Kiln. Shortly thereafter he began exhibiting and has receied numerous awards at the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition (Okayama Ken Bijutsu ten), National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten), Issui-kai-ten, as well as being selected for the influential Tanabe Museum Modern Forms in Tea Exhibition among others.
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.