Catalog (816)

An exquisite Mizusashi in white glaze over dark gray clay by Sakata Keizo titled Hagi Haku-yu Zundo Mizusashi. It features a black lacquered wooden lid, contrasting starkly with the white glaze, like a frozen dark lake in snow. The vessel is 20 cm (8 inches) diameter, 18.5 cm (7-1/2 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
Sakata Keizo (1949-2004) was born the son of the 13th generation Deika in Hagi city, and was raised among the kilns of the region. He graduated the Nihon Daigaku in 1972. He studied under his father from 1974 after spending time in America. He was exhibited at the Nihon Dento Kogei Shinsaku-ten (awarded) and the Nihon Dento Kogei-ten. He died suddenly at the relatively young age of 54, leaving no designated successor to the kiln. He was posthumously granted the family name Sakata Deika.

Viscous white glaze crawls and cracks on this round sake bottle by Shino Legend Hayashi Shotaro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 13.5 cm tall and 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.

An organic vessel torn and hollowed from a block of clay in the Kurinuki style covered in lavender tinged white by Kaneta Masanao enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Haku-yu Yohen Kurinuki Hanaire. It is 24.5 cm (just under 10 inches) tall, 18 x 15 cm (7-1/4 x 6 inches) across the base and is in excellent condition.
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 wild vessel with torn and faceted sides covered in smoke and embers by important Tamba artist Nihsihata Tadashi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen Hanaire (Kiln-altered Vase). It is 31 cm (over 12 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Nishihata Tadashi was born in Sasayama in the mountains of Hyogo, and ancient castle town in 1948. He began potting in 1969, focusing on items for use. In 1986 he first entered the realm of public exhibitions with his entry into the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1986. He was awarded in 1988 at the Kinki Kogeiten regional Crafts fair. In 1989 he would see the first of many awards at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition as well as a first time entry into the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition. In 1990 he would continue garnering fame with the first of several awards at the Tanabe Art Museum Chanoyu no Zokei Ten (Modern Forms in Tea). After that his career has escalated, with many more recognitions at these Expositions.

A voluminous O-ido-gata Chawan Tea Bowl covered in rich green finely crackled celadon glaze by Living National Treasure Nakajima Hiroshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Chawan. It is 15.5 cm diameter, 9.5 cm deep and in perfect 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.

A set of five exquisite crackled blue glazed tea cups by Living national Tresure Nakajima Hiroshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seiji Yunomi. We can clearly see with these why the artist was granted the most important title in the country. Absolutely exquisite, why not have your tea from a cup by an LNT?
Each is 8.8 cm (3-1/2 inches) diameter, 6 cm tall and all are in excellent condition.
Nakajima Hiroshi was born in Hiroshima in 1941. He became an independent potter in 1969 in Yano, Saga Prefecture, choosing to specialize in one of the most challenging fields 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.

A Tea Pot by Hattori Tatsuya enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Pot. It is 15 x 11 x 10 cm (6 x 4-1/4 x 4 inches) and in excellent condition, from the artist late last year. He is a master of silver/platinum/titanium glazes, and his forms, especially his tea pots, are very popular and generally sell out quickly, we are lucky to be able to offer one.
Hattori Tatsuya was born in Tajimi, home of Shino and Oribe wares, in 1978 and was raised in the vibrant pottery scene of that region. However, he had no interest in pottery until after graduating with a degree in business from university. Taking a hiatus from studies and work, he stumbled onto the path of the potter by accident (or was it fate). He entered the Tajimi Ceramics Research Facility, graduating in 2004. His work was selected fr display at the Mashiko Ceramic Art Exhibition and Asahi Togeiten Ceramics Exhibition that year. He took a position as a ceramic designer at a local company, working nights and weekends on his own art and promoting himself in the off hours until he felt he could afford to devote himself completely to the wheel. At first he concentrated on making decorative works, but soon began moving steadily toward functional vessels, enjoying the dialog between the work and the user.

A smokey landscape billows like clouds on this fabulous raw form by Atarashi Kanji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Guinomi. Coals cling to one side, opposite milky green and white while inside a blast of crackled green ice has formed on the wall among a haze of smoke. It is 7 cm (2-3/4 inches) diameter, 5.5 cm tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist. I highly recommend this with the Tokkuri following.
Atarashi 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 Fair, 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.

A Future Fossil series Sake Server by Watanabe Takuma enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Shuki. Like something out of a Miyazaki Hayao animation, one expects to see steam pumping as the vessel makes its way of its own accord toward the destined sake cup. Each piece in this series has a unique serial number, this number S151. 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. He built his own kin in 2006.

This guinomi by Watanabe Takuma would complement well the Future Fossil series Sake Server currently being offered. It too has a variegated surface like patched together mtal 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.

An unusual bulbous Guinomi and Tokkuri by Mori Toshiaki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Shuki. Both are well balanced, standing perfectly on their own, despite the fact there is no foot, just a round bottom. The Guinomi is 7 cm (3 inches) diameter, 5 cm (2 inches) tall. The Tokkuri is 11.5 (4-1/2 inches) tall and both are 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.

A radical ash blasted and charred vase by Mori Toshiaki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Hanaire. It is 18.5 cm (7-1/4 inches) tall, 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) diameter 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.

A fabulous small Tsubo by the legendary Takauchi Shugo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled O-hai Tsubo. A striking yellow tinge to the glaze contrasts with the black charring, providing a dynamic stage for the windows of raw clay revealed beneath. It is 21 cm (8-1/4 inches) tall, roughly the same diameter and in excellent condition
Takauchi Shugo was born in Tokyo in 1937, opening his kiln in Mashiko at the age of 31. He has exhibited at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition and as well as Gendai Nihon Togeiten National Modern Ceramics Exhibition in addition to innumerable public and private exhibitions. He is recipient of the Order of Cultural Merrit from Tochigi Prefecture, and his works have been selected for international exhibitions (Paris, London, Denmark and America) and work by him is held in the V&A, as well as The Art Gallery of New South Wales. For more see the Book “Japanese Studio Crafts” (1995) by Rupert Faulkner of “Fired with Passion” (2006) by Beatrice Chang and Samuel J Lurie.

A very unusual Shuchu sake server made in box-like form with an angular spout, brass handle and wooden lid accompanied by a cubic Guinomi sake cup by Bizen master potter Isezaki So enclosed in the original compartmentalized signed wooden box titled simply Bizen Kaku Shuki (Squared Sake Vessels). Both feature burnished raw red clay with a smattering of ocher colored ash and red veins of hidasuki. The cup is 5 x 5 x 5.5 cm (2 inches) tall. The Server 7.5 x 10 x 7.5 cm (3 x 4 x 3 inches) not including the handle and spout, and both are in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Isezaki So was born the third son of important potter Isezaki Mitsuru in 1968, and was raised alongside the family kiln. At 18 he apprenticed under Bizen master Yamashita Joji, and was first exhibited the following year. After his 20th birthday he went to America for study, returning to Japan, where he would be awarded the first of many times at the Okayama Kenten (Prefectural Art Exhibition). Again, he would spend a year in America for study, and the influences of design are apparent is his non-traditional approach to this day. He has been exhibited and awarded at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (Traditional Crafts Exhibition), Tobiten of the Japan Ceramic Art Society and Tanabe Museum Modern Forms in Tea Exhibition, among others.

A set of 5 very stylish plates in raw porcelain with one sleek glazed surface by Kato Yoshiyaseu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Reversi Plate. The elevated surface is glazed smooth, the pierced foot and underside are in raw porcelain. Each dish is 24 cm (just under 10 inches) diameter and in perfect condition. These are perfect to accompany the smaller plate set also listed made specifically to our order.
Kato Yoshiyasu was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1985 and graduated the Kurashiki University of Science and Arts in 2008. He graduated the Tajimi City Ishoken Ceramics Research Facility in 2014, remaining in neighboring Toki City until setting up his own studio in Nishio in 2018.

A set of 5 very stylish small plates in raw porcelain with one sleek glazed surface by Kato Yoshiyaseu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Reversi Plate. The elevated surface is glazed smooth, the pierced foot and underside are in raw porcelain. Each plate is 10 cm (4 inches) diameter and in perfect condition. These were made on our order specifically to accompany the larger plate set also listed.
Kato Yoshiyasu was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1985 and graduated the Kurashiki University of Science and Arts in 2008. He graduated the Tajimi City Ishoken Ceramics Research Facility in 2014, remaining in neighboring Toki City until setting up his own studio in Nishio in 2018.

An incredible work by Furutani Hirofumi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen-yu Hen Hanaire. A striking form covered in glistening green glass and gnarly clusters of black ash, this is an absolute must have by the artist. On the sides the earth is scorched and blackened, rivulets of olive running between. It is 25 x 8.5 x 19.5 cm (10 x 3-1/4 x 8 inches) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
The Churoku-en pottery was established by Furutani Churoku, an artist instrumental in the post war era revival of Shigaraki Anagama and Climbing Kiln firing techniques. It is now run by the second and third generation potters Furutani Hirofumi and his son Taketoshi. Hirofumi (b. 1948) is the real deal, a Shigaraki potter trained under his father, recipient of generations of tradition and knowledge, who does not say much. He then returned to the family kiln where he headed up the preparation and firing, while, taking a second position in that very Japanese way to his long lived father, who strictly tortured clay. The Japanese title for such a person is: Ennoshita no chikara mochi (The true strength hidden under the eaves). Even today, a decade after the passing of Churoku, everyday you will find him in search of the natural phenomena which are born from his wood fired Anagama kiln in the dialog between soil and flame and the elements. He is in charge of kneading and coercing the clay, the kiln work, stacking and preparations, making and firing his own pieces while allowing his son to take the fore. He does not compete or seek fame, just quietly makes pots treading the path of the Unknown Craftsman.

A fabulous modern ceramic artwork in the form of an Arch with two openings torn into the top as flower receptacles by Okamoto Kazuyoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The red burnt clay is splashed with color. It is quite large, at nearly 52 cm (21 inches) long and in excellent condition.
Okamoto Kazuyoshi was born into a family of Kyoto potters in 1962, graduating the Kyoto Ceramics Research Facility in 1980 before apprenticing under Okamoto Akira, then his father Kazuo. From 1987 to 1988 he went to study pottery in China, then Korea. His work has been exhibited at the Modern Art forms in Tea Exhibition, International Ceramics Exhibition in Mino and Kyoten among others.

Enigmatic characters are etched like some lost language into the connected slabs of this pottery object by rising star Kowari Tetsuya which comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seki-reki (Traces of History) exhibited at the Hakokai group exhibition. It is hard to say if the artist is looking back in time, or at something of ours somewhere far in the future, a vision; dream of the mystery one might see looking back on the traces of our own society. It is 75 cm (30 inches) long, 22 x 23 cm (roughly 9 inches) in diameter and in excellent condition. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Kowari Tetsuya was born in Fuji-city Shizuoka in 1970, and graduated the prestigious Meiji University. He has apprenticed under a number of teachers, taking a bit from each without allowing their direction to overpower his own personal style. He works in Shigaraki, Bizen and Shino wares. The artist has been displayed at the Nihon Togei Ten National Ceramics Ex hibition, as well as the prestigious Nitten consistently.

A spectacular vessel by Contemporary Bizen favorite Ishida Kazuya enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ra (Conch). The marbled clay ripples like sand, emodying the image of ocean life after which it is named. It is huge at 64 x 17 x 28 cm (25 x 6-1/2 x 11 inches) and is in excellent condition, directly from the artist last summer, and just emerging from our back room for the first time.
Ishida Kazuya was born in Bizen in 1986. After graduating from high school, studied under Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun. After that, he moved to England and learned traditional techniques, language and culture at a local pottery studio. Invited as a leading artist in the Oxford Anagama Project (Oxford University), which started in 2015, he has been a lecturer on kiln making, firing and production workshops in Europe, Australia and North America. His work makes use of the ideas of slipwear, a traditional British technique that uses colored clay to create patterns, and an original technique that makes use of the centrifugal force of a potter's wheel. Inspired by the beauty of forms created by nature such as shells, strata, glaciers, and stalactites. His shapes fuse the idea of form with the unique Bizen spirit of drawing out the characteristics of the materials and alterations and natural glaze that occur in the wood fired kiln.

An architectural pottery sculpture made up of undulating walls delineating chambers within by Aso Rando titled Catfish. It is tantalizingly sculpted, the various rooms of squared clay walls belying the organic, undulating form of the fish. The sculpture is 22 x 10-1/2 x 7 inches (56 x 26.5 x 18 cm) and is in excellent condition. It comes with a signed placard by the artist.
Aso Rando was born in Nara in 1983. Finishing the Kanazawa College of Art in 2009 led to a year in research at the Tokoname Municipal Research Facility before settling in Tajimi city. He first exhibited with the 45th Chunichi Ceramics exhibition in 2006, but has chosen a different path from the normal large national exhibitions, focusing on more regional or trendy showings (such as the Art Program, Hyogo and Nichukan Tougei Shinsedai KokanTen Inter-Asian Young Artists Exposition) where there is more interaction with the viewing public.

A stellar work by Furutani Taketoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen-yu ware-Yohen Tsubo. Fired on its side, a heavy deposit of ash glaze from the 5 day firing blasts the clay, traveling in amber rivulets to gleaming beads around the fractured clay opposite. The mouth of the jar is classic Muromachi style, while the firing technique delves deep into the past while maintaining a proud modernity. It is 26.5 cm (10-1/2 inches) diameter, 32 cm (13 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Furutani Taketoshi was born the son of master craftsman Furutani Hirofumi in 1974, graduating the Shigaraki Industrial High School Ceramics department in 1992 before entering the Shiga prefectural Ceramics Research Facility studying wheel technique, graduating the following year. He then did a year apprenticeship at a pottery before re-entering for a second course at the Research Facility, graduating in 1995. From that year he returned to the family kiln, receiving the family tradition from both his grandfather Furutani Churoku and father Furutani Hirofumi. Subverting the self, he makes simple, organic pots which have a timeless quality, very much rooted in the now, but paying homage to the traditions past down through the ages. He was named a Designated Traditional Craftsman (Dento Kogeishi) in 2013. He has exhibited with the Nihon Dento Kogeiten among others, and still works closely with his father at the family kiln.

A Thorny series guinomi in bright matte yellow with glistening spikes by Masatomo Toi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 7 x 6 x 5.5 cm (roughly 2-1/2 inches diameter) plus the glinting golden thorns and in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Masatomo Toi was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1992, and graduated the Design course at the Tajimi Ceramics Research Facility in 2019. Since he has been developing his series of “Thorny” vessels and objects. At the same time he has been studying the way of tea, and these bowls are his first unadorned venture into the tea world (although we will also offer a few striking horned chawan as well). His works have been featured in a number of group and juried exhibitions. He is currently on a year of study and experimentation in Australia, and we expect great things in his future.

A wide open vase in burnt orange clay covered in natural ash blaze by Furutani Taketoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen-yu Yohen Kame Tsubo. Perfect for a large flower display, it is 24 x 25 x 21 cm (9-1/2 x 10 x 8-1/4 inches) and is in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Furutani Taketoshi was born the son of master craftsman Furutani Hirofumi in 1974, graduating the Shigaraki Industrial High School Ceramics department in 1992 before entering the Shiga prefectural Ceramics Research Facility studying wheel technique, graduating the following year. He then did a year apprenticeship at a pottery before re-entering for a second course at the Research Facility, graduating in 1995. From that year he returned to the family kiln, receiving the family tradition from both his grandfather Furutani Churoku and father Furutani Hirofumi. Subverting the self, he makes simple, organic pots which have a timeless quality, very much rooted in the now, but paying homage to the traditions past down through the ages. He was named a Designated Traditional Craftsman (Dento Kogeishi) in 2013. He has exhibited with the Nihon Dento Kogeiten among others, and still works closely with his father at the family kiln.

A striking deep misshapen bowl by Gomi Kenji with coloration ranging through the gray zone into red enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Glass Yu Wan. It is roughly 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) diameter, the same height and is in perfect condition.
Gomi Kenjki was born in Nagano in 1978, and graduated the prestigious Waseda University in 2001, before going to study Tsuboya potting techniques in Naha, Okinawa. He moved to Toki City in Gifu, opening his own kiln in 2004. He was awarded the Judges prize at the Mashiko Ceramic Exhibition in 2008. He took the Show prize at the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramic Exhibition in 2011, and was awarded at the Kikuchi Bienale twice, and the Modern Tea wares Exhibition in 2014 before moving his studio to Kasama, Ibaraki in 2015. For more see New Forms, New Voices (2017) He is held in the collection of the V&A in London

A striking deep misshapen bowl by Gomi Kenji with coloration ranging from earthen tones to gray outside, inside yellow with blue at the rim enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Glass Yu Wan. It is roughly 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) diameter, the same height and is in perfect condition.
Gomi Kenjki was born in Nagano in 1978, and graduated the prestigious Waseda University in 2001, before going to study Tsuboya potting techniques in Naha, Okinawa. He moved to Toki City in Gifu, opening his own kiln in 2004. He was awarded the Judges prize at the Mashiko Ceramic Exhibition in 2008. He took the Show prize at the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramic Exhibition in 2011, and was awarded at the Kikuchi Bienale twice, and the Modern Tea wares Exhibition in 2014 before moving his studio to Kasama, Ibaraki in 2015. For more see New Forms, New Voices (2017) He is held in the collection of the V&A in London

A stone formed bowl covered entirely in platinum by Inayoshi Osamu enclosed in the original signed wooden box accompanied by the shiori and Shifuku. The bowl is carved and torn from a block of clay, then textured with natural stones specially selected for their surface patterns, splashed with glaze and then covered in platinum, creating dry matte regions punctuated by glistening liquid spatters. It is 10.5 cm (4 inches) diameter, 7.5 cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition directly from the artist.
Inayoshi Osamu was born in Toyohashi City in 1976, and graduated the Seto pottery school in 2002, the same year he was acknowledged for excellence at the 56th Seto Municipal Art Exhibition. He set up his own studio in 2007, garnering his first of many prizes at the the Oribe no Kokoro (heart of Oribe) Ceramic Exhibition. His unique textures and glaze techniques soon won him acclaim both in Japan and abroad , and he began exhibiting with vigor both domestically and abroad.

A playful large bowl by Kim Hono decorated with geometric patterns in black on millet white glaze enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Donburi. The artist has drawn an image of the bowl on the side of the box. The bowl is 14 cm 5-3/4 inches) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in perfect condition. Kim Hono was born in Seto City Aichi Prefecture in 1958, and graduated the Prefectural Ceramics School in 1977, then taking up apprenticeship at a local kiln before establishing himself as an independent artist in 1982. He held his first solo exhibition in Nagoya in 1985. He has been exhibited at the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition Dento Kogeiten National Traditiaonal Crafts Exhibition, Asahi Togeiten Exhibition, Chunichi Kokusai Togeiten, and his works being shown in some of Japans top galleries including Kuroda Toen in Tokyo’s Ginza ward. Not to be defined, even by himself, famously when asked by Hohnoho Magazine to define his work he cryptically replied only: Kaze wo Kanjiru Koto (Feeling the wind).

A fabulous black Tokkuri sake bottle with a lode of ocher ash flowing over the dark clay by Isezaki Koichiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuro Tokkuri. It is 15.5 cm (6 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Isezaki Koichiro was born the son of living national treasure Isezaki Jun. He graduated the sculpture department of Tokyo Zokei University and then apprenticed under American artist Jeff Shapiro, incorporating much blending of western and eastern thought into his work. He returned to Japan in 2000 to work under his father, and was first accepted into the Tanabe museum Sculptural forms in Tea Exhibition two years later.

The surface of this deep bowl is like glossy rust, shot through with various shades and mottled colors, the base irredescent red. It is by rising star Hashimoto Tomonari and comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled: Untitled Utsuwa (vessel). It is 13 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist. This series was sold only through our gallery, and this is the last remaining bowl.
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. Get pieces by him while you can!

A traditional wide basin decorated with staggering pine in iron by Nakazato Tarouemon XIV enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled E-Karatsu Hachi. It is 26 cm (10-1/4 inches) diameter 11 cm (4-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Nakazato Taouemon XIV wa born the eldest son of Nakazato Taouemon XIII in 1957. He completed graduate school at the Department of Sculpture at Musashino Art University in 1981. He returned ot the family studio in 1983 and began making pottery. In 1984 his work was selected for the first time at the Nitten National Art Exhibition. In 2002 he succeeded the family name.

A gorgeous set of five clam-shell Shaped dishes in organic Chossen Karatsu glaze by Koga Kenji enclosed in the original compartmentalized signed wooden box titled Chossen Karatsu Hamaguri Mukozuke. Each dish is roughly 14 x 16 cm (5-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches) and all are in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Koga Kenji was born in Fukuoka in 1936, but did not start potting until much later in life, at the age of 38. He opened his own kiln in 1991, exhibiting with the prefectural exhibition the following year. Not a competitive person, eh has concentrated on private exhibitions, of which he has had many. His work is humble and easy to use true to that vein of the unknown craftsman of Mingei lore.

A pink sunset band rings this Caribbean blue bowl by Yamato Tsutomu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Hagi Chawan. It is gorgeous to behold, wide and comfortable in the hands, perfect for tea in the warm seasons. It is 15 cm ((6 inches) diameter, 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Yamato Tsutomu was born the second son of Yamato Yasuo, the man who brought Hagi into the 20th century, in 1965. He graduated the Yamaguchi University of Arts in 1988. He has exhibited with Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition, the Nihon Dento Kogeiten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition) and Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (New Traditional Crafts Exhibition) among others. His first solo exhibition was held in 1996. He served as a guest lecturer at Mendocino Art Center in California in 2001, and currently lectures at the Yamaguchi Prefectural University. Work by him is held in the British Museum, the Japan Foundation, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art and Nomura Art Museum among others.

Pink belts this blue-gray bowl like the rising sun reflected off a pre-dawn cloud by Yamato Tsutomu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Chawan and featured in the 59th National Traditional Crafts Exhibition (catalog page 65, catalog included). It is 15.5 cm (6 inches) diameter and in perfect condition.
Yamato Tsutomu was born the second son of Yamato Yasuo, the man who brought Hagi into the 20th century, in 1965. He graduated the Yamaguchi University of Arts in 1988. He has exhibited with Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition, the Nihon Dento Kogeiten (National Traditional Crafts Exhibition) and Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten (New Traditional Crafts Exhibition) among others. His first solo exhibition was held in 1996. He served as a guest lecturer at Mendocino Art Center in California in 2001, and currently lectures at the Yamaguchi Prefectural University. Work by him is held in the British Museum, the Japan Foundation, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art and Nomura Art Museum among others.

Granite stones burst from the terracotta clay of this fabulous earthen object by Tanaka Yoshikazu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Stones. It is 20 cm (8 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Tanaka Yoshikazu was born in Osaka in 1983, and graduated from Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts in 2006. His unique works have been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout Japan, and his award winning 2013 work “Yori Tsuchi no Kanosei” has been collected by the Seto Municipal Museum. He is currently a lecturer at the Nagoya University of Arts and Aichi University of the Arts.

A set of five metal glazed sishes ringed with tenmoku striations by Kimura Yoshiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Tetsuyu Meme Zara. They are 12 cm (4-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, perfect for salt, soy sauce or small hors d’oeuvres.
Kimura Yoshihiro was born in Kyoto in 1950. After graduating the Kyoto Prefectural Technical Institute completed advanced courses at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture before entering the studio of the great Tenmoku specialist Kimura Morikazu where he would remain for 6 years. In 1976 he left the capital to establish his own kiln in the Echizen Pottery Village in Fukui prefecture. Selected for the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition. He is primarily focused on tenmoku-ware.