Ken Matsuzaki Decorative Objects

An impressive stoneware bottle form vase by contemporary Japanese studio potter Ken Matsuzaki (1950-) circa 2010s. The solid form takes its cue from Chinese traditional plum vase (Meiping) with raised and swelled shoulder and a small opening, yet it rises from a non-conventional pentagonal faceted base. The extraordinary surface was covered with Yohen Shino glaze in a deep iron hue. Thick white slips were applied in bold strokes to the lower portion of the vase. The abstract pattern calls to mind of the imagery of the iconic ocean waves found in traditional Japanese art. The presence of the vase is strong and none-compromising, reaching back to the past yet appearing utterly modern. It is marked by the artist underneath and comes with the original tomobako with title and author inscriptions and a wrapping cloth with the artist's seal. "Ken Matsuzaki’s haptic ceramics bring a contemporary approach to traditional Japanese ceramicware, most notably 16th-century Oribe pottery...

A contemporary studio ceramic tea pot with metal handle made by Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki (1950-). The stoneware tea pot showcases a thick dripping Oribe green glaze partially revealing the unglazed part of the body, which is decorated with scrolling pattern of ash glaze. The work is rooted in both Yohen Shino glaze technique and Oribe tradition, but interestingly it also paid homage to Sancai pottery...

A contemporary studio ceramic vase made by Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki (1950-). The vase showcases distinguished "moon flask" form with shoulder loops. The moon flask form was widely recorded first in Tang Dynasty China, most likely arrived from the Mideast countries via the silk road. It was originally used as drink vessel for the nomads and the loops were used to tie it to the horse-centered owner. The exotic form persisted in Chinese ceramic production through Ming to Qing dynasty. The form is unusual in Ken Matsuzaki's work. The artist covered the vase with a thick dripping Oribe green glaze partially revealing the unglazed part of the body, which is decorated with scrolling pattern in left by ash glaze. The work is rooted in both Yohen Shino glaze technique and Oribe tradition, but interestingly it also paid homage to Sancai pottery in Tang Dynasty when green glaze was prominently used to drip and splash onto the pottery. Viewing the vase, one can see in this harmonious piece, the innovative reinterpretation of ancient aesthetics that cross the cultures, geology and time. The base is marked with the artist's signature. The vase comes with an inscribed tomobako storage box with the artist's bio and wrapping cloth with seal. The vase measures 8.6"h x 7"w x 2"d. Ken Matsuzaki’s haptic ceramics bring a contemporary approach to traditional Japanese ceramicware, most notably 16th-century Oribe pottery...