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 #1492878 (stock #MC239)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492877 (stock #MC233)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492683 (stock #MC296)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1492593 (stock #MC182)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
$650.00
Sale Pending
One of my favorite potters, here is an exquisite yellow tinged vase like the dilapidated bamboo vase in the tea room by Sakata Keizo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Takegata Hanaire. The clay is thick and heavy, giving the ephemeral form strength and juxtaposed sense of permanence. It is 32.5 cm (13 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Sakata Keizo (1949-2004) was born into the traditional Hagi pottery family of Sakata Deika. After graduating from university, he studied sculpture and spent some time overseas before beginning work at the family kiln. This exposure outside of the very traditional world of Hagi set him apat from many other local potters. In 1978, he was awarded at the First Exhibition of New Traditional Crafts (Dento Kogei Shinsaku Ten). In 1989, he became a member of the Japan Kogei Association and exhibited with that organization garnering a number of prizes as well as being awarded at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition (Dento Kogei Ten), and receiving Grand Prize of the Tanabe Museum Ceramics of Tea Exhibition. He was expected to make a great leap forward as the next Sakata Deika, but died in 2004 at the young age of 54. He was posthumously named the 15th generation Sakata Deika.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492501 (stock #MC100)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
$985.00
Sale Pending
A fabulous cubist form with charred surfaces and natural ash which can be used both flat on a surface or with all sides rising by Furutani Taketoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen Yu Kaku Hanaire. The texture appears to have been chiseled away, leaving deep clefts in which the flowing ash and coals have hidden and cooled. It is 18 x 18.5 x 18 cm (7 x 7-1/4 x 7 inches) 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 where he learned first Small Rokuro wheel technique, graduating the following year. In 1993 he would find himself under the tutelage of Suzuki Iwau before re-entering for a second course at the Research Facility, graduating in 1995. From then he returned to the family kiln where he learned in the time-honored tradition from both his grandfather Churoku I and father Hirofumi (Churokuk II). In 2013 he was named a Dento Kogeishi Traditional Craftsman. Since he has exhibited consistently at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Subverting the self, he makes simple, organic pots which have a timeless quality. As well he dares new forms and challenges the clay with innovative techniques, coercing from the pliable earth challenging incarnations very much rooted in the now, yet still paying homage to the traditions passed down through the ages.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492500 (stock #MC215)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
Elegant curves arc across the slightly flattened form of this Bizen Vase by veteran potter Isezaki So enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Henko. It is 22 x 24 x 28 cm (9 x 10 x 11 inches) and is in excellent condition. This was acquired directly from the artist on our recent trip to Bizen this summer.
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.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492499 (stock #MC231)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
An iconic faceted tea bowl by Atarashi Manabu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Shinogi Chawan. The faceted body is shot through with color filled fissures, with a thick coating of green ash glaze on the fire side, raw flame colored clay opposite. The bowl is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 10.5 cm (4-1/4 inches) tall and in new condition, directly from the artist this summer. It compliments perfectly the Mizusashi from the same firing.
Atarashi Manabu has been growing in popularity as one of the leaders in the Iga pottery tradition since the first time I saw his work nearly 20 years ago when visiting the family showroom in Iga village. Born in 1973 in Osaka son of the second generation artist and one of the leading revivalists of the Iga tradition in post war Japan, Atarashi Kanji. He graduated the literature department of Kansai University in 1995, moving to apprentice under his father a few years later. In 2002 he built his first anagama Kiln, and held his first of a multitude of solo exhibitions. Intensely fired multiple times to achieve the bidoro glass puddles and landscape effects which define his aesthetic, the geometric works add a contemporary sensibility to the traditional Iga style and transcend the realm of utilitarian crafts breaking into the sculptural domain. His work has proven innovative and challenging to the norm, taking his fathers tradition into the 21st century.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492477 (stock #MC615)
An exquisite work of colored clay by Matsui Koyo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Mukuhai-yu Neriage Kensho-mon Tsubo. It is 30 cm (12 inches) diameter, 27 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Matsui Koyo was born in the pottery village of Kasama, son of future Living National Treasure Matsui Kosei, in 1962. He graduated in sculpture from the University of Tsukuba in 1985, then began potting under his father at his Gessouji Studio. Work by Koyo has been selected for show and or awarded at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Nihon Dento Shin Kogeiten National Traditional New Crafts Exhibition and Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492475 (stock #MC614)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
This piece seems to intimate the cool of a Shibori-dyed summer Yukata, the light cloth billowing in the breeze, a stunning work by Matsui Koyo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Neriage Tsubo. It is 31.5 cm (12 inches) diameter, 27.5 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Matsui Koyo was born in the pottery village of Kasama, son of future Living National Treasure Matsui Kosei, in 1962. He graduated in sculpture from the University of Tsukuba in 1985, then began potting under his father at his Gessouji Studio. Work by Koyo has been selected for show and or awarded at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Nihon Dento Shin Kogeiten National Traditional New Crafts Exhibition and Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Pre 2000 item #1492451 (stock #K024)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
An early brutal vase by female pottery legend Tsuboi Asuka covered in running colors enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nagashi-yu Tsubo. It is 25 cm (10 inches) diameter 20cm (8 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Tsuboi Asuka was born in Osaka in 1932, but the family moved to Tokyo when she was 12. She graduated the prestigious and progressive Jiyu Gakkuen (A progressive girls School established in 1921) then moved to Kyoto in 1953, Kyoto, the city she has called home for half a century, where she would spend a year at the Sentsuji Yusai Kobo before enlisting under Living National Treasure Tomimoto Kenkichi. Her first works were exhibited that year at the Shinshokogeikai (where she would be awarded in 1955). She worked to establish the Joryu Togei Ten Ceramic Exhibition for female artists in 1957, to allow women a venue to exhibit works in what was then a very male dominated field. In 1961 she was accepted into the Asahi Togeiten Ceramic Exhibition, and in 1966 would be selected to represent contemporary Japanese ceramics in China, the following year saw he take a study trip to Korea, and in 1970 to Thailand while her work was exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, which would purchase her work in ’71 . She would be awarded at the Canadian International Ceramic Exhibition in 1973, and since her work has been exhibited throughout the globe. Here work to promote the arts was recognized in 1988 with the Kyoto Prefectural Order of Arts and Culture Award, and in 1991 with the Kyoto city Order of Cultural Merit, and again in 1992 with the prefectural Order of Cultural Merit. All culminated in her receiving the Japan Ceramic Society Gold prize, perhaps the most important award allowed a potter, in 2004. Her work can be found in Museum collections including several works in both the Museums of Modern Art in Tokyo and Kyoto, Fukui and Wakayama Prefectural Museums of Art, Suntory Museum, Shiga Togei No Mori Museum, Ariana Museum, Yale University Museum and The International Ceramics Museum in Faenza. According to the book Touch Fire: Tsuboi Asuka's influence on the ceramic arts of Japan cannot be overstated. As one of the first women to aggressively challenge the male hierarchy, she forged a role for women ceramic artists that previously did not exist in Japan. Tsuboi was the charismatic leader of the influential Kyoto women's ceramic group Joryū Tōgei (Women's Association of Ceramic Art) when it was first formed in 1957. This group was pivotal not only in providing a platform for women to participate as artists in their own right, but in giving them the opportunity to present their challenging work to the public.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492441 (stock #MC275)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
A radical Iga wall vase by Atarashi Manabu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Iga Kakehana-ire. It is 36.5 cm (14 inches) long and in perfect condition, directly from the artist.
Atarashi Manabu has been growing in popularity as one of the leaders in the Iga pottery tradition since the first time I saw his work nearly 20 years ago when visiting the family showroom in Iga village. Born in 1973 in Osaka son of the second generation artist and one of the leading revivalists of the Iga tradition in post war Japan, Atarashi Kanji. He graduated the literature department of Kansai University in 1995, moving to apprentice under his father a few years later. In 2002 he built his first anagama Kiln, and held his first of a multitude of solo exhibitions. Intensely fired multiple times to achieve the bidoro glass puddles and landscape effects which define his aesthetic, the geometric works add a contemporary sensibility to the traditional Iga style and transcend the realm of utilitarian crafts breaking into the sculptural domain. His work has proven innovative and challenging to the norm, taking his fathers tradition into the 21st century.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Pre 2000 item #1492440 (stock #MC290)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
$935.00
Sale Pending
A floral sweep of wheat is incised into the side of this blue tinged white porcelain incense burner by Japanese Living National Treasure Inoue Manji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hakuji Some Mugi Chomon Koro (White Censer Incised with Blue Wheat). It is 12 cm (just less than 5 inches) to the top of the finial and is in excellent condition.
Inoue Manji was born in Saga Prefecture on the southern Island of Kyushu, home of Arita and the port of Imari, the first porcelain production center in Japan. He learned from the age of 16 under the 13th Sakaida Kakiemon and Okugawa Chuuemon, and was recognized as having a knack for Hakuji sheer porcelain. From 1958 he worked at the Saga Prefectural Ceramics Research Laboratory. He was awarded the Governors prize at the 1987 National Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and was named a living National Treasure in 1995. Two years later he received the Order of Cultural Merit with Purple Ribbon from his Imperial Majesty.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492439 (stock #MC282)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
Love the work of this elegant artist, here is an exquisite beer cup by Doi Masafumi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seiji Tensenmon Mugi-shu-Hai. It is 13 cm (5-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist. This would make a stunning gift for someone born in summer.
Doi Masafumi was born in Nara prefecture in 1972, and graduated the Aichi prefectural ceramic research facility in 2000. For the next seven years he would work at a kiln in Kyoto, absorbing the many styles and techniques associated with Kyo-yaki before establishing his won kiln back in Nara. He held is first solo exhibition in Kyoto in 2009, and in 2011 was awarded at the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition, where he has been featured many times.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492431 (stock #MC099)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
Wow! Here is a radical piece from deep in the embers of Sugimoto Sadamitsu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Iga Hanaire. It is utterly simplistic in form with dramatic and complex kiln effect born from placement and the inferno. The vase is 26.5 cm (10-1/2 inches) tall, 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Sugimoto Sadamitsu was born in Tokyo in 1935. A strong adherent to the Zen tradition, Sadamitsu established his own kiln at 33, receiving the kiln name from his mentor Daitokuji priest Tachibana Oki. His Zen studies have refined the spiritual side of his work, and all of his wood fired ceramics have a quiet and confident power. He has spent his life in the research of kohiki, Shigaraki Iga and Raku wares, and is more than well known in tea circles for the discriminating soul of his works. For more information on this artist see the book Fired with passion : contemporary Japanese ceramics ISBN 1-891640-38-0.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Pre 2000 item #1492429 (stock #MC266)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
A dragon writhes among the astounded population on this sometsuke blue and white vessel by Kawamoto Goro enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Sometsuke Ryumon Utagaki Tsubo. It is 6 1/2 inches 16.5 cm square 8 inches 21 centimeters tall and in excellent condition dating circa 1980.
Kawamoto Goro (1919-1986) was born in Seto to a family of potters. He studied in Kyoto at the same institution as Kawai Kanjiro and Hamada Shoji. Returning to work at the family kiln, he was later adopted by Kawamoto Rekitei, a famous decorator of pottery. In 1953 he gained first recognition, accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition and garnering top prize at the Asahi Modern Ceramics Exhibition. In 1958 he would be awarded in Brussels, and in 1959 in California and at home was granted the 1959 JCS award winner. Much lauded the list is much too long for this article. Work by him is held in the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art as well as the The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo among many others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492366 (stock #MC247)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
A stellar Black water jar by Yamaguchi Shozaemon XIII enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kamakura Nioi Mizusashi. Scraped cut and beat out of form with looping ribbons of clay for handles creating a bold, lively experience. Here is a Mizusashi which certainly does not let down. It is 21 cm (just over 8 inches) diameter at the base, 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Yamaguchi Shozaemon was born in 1913 in Seto city, the heartland of one of the oldest pottery traditions in Japan, the 13th generation potter in his family line. Concentrating on the preservation of the traditional techniques of the Seto kiln as well as the development of modern ceramic art, works by him are preserved in the collection of the Imperial Household and Nagoya Castle.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1492278 (stock #MC262)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
$450.00
Sale Pending
Black Bizen Guinimo and Tokkuri by Oiwa Tomoyuki enclosed respectively in their original signed wooden boxes. There is a wonderful dialog between the two pieces, the bottle blackened with dark dry ash buffeting the surface, while over the same darkness has been blasted molten ash on the cup, flowing around and beading on one side. The juxtaposition between the liquidity and dryness of the two, same colored, ash effects is delightful. The sake cup is 7 cm (2-3/4 inches) diameter, 5.5 cm tall, the Tokkuri 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) tall and both are in excellent condition. We picked these up during our summer 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 : Contemporary item #1492227 (stock #MC249)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
sold, thank you
A Beautiful bowl in crackled white set into a lattice like structure of raw porcelain pierced with a plethora of various sized holes by Kato Yoshiyasu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Haku-yu no wan (White Glazed Bowl). It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in excellent condition, from the artist this year.
Kato Yoshiyasu was born in Aichi prefecture in 1985, and graduated the Kurashiki Kogei Crafts School design department in 2008. He then went on to study at the Tajimi Ceramics Research Facility, finishing there in 2014. He moved to Nshio city in 2018, where he set up a studio and works today while raising a cute little baby with his wife.