Large Japanese Ceramic Oribe Sculptural Vessel by Shigemasa Higashida

Made by Japanese ceramic artist Makoto Yabe (1947-2005), this stoneware vase features a globular body supported by a round pedestal foot. A similarly shaped neck extends to a rimmed mouth opening. Robust in form with thick wall, the vase is noted for its irregular cloved form. The surface is covered in a beige-yellow glaze, on top of which, dark brown strokes and thick white feldspar slip were artistically applied in a splashed and washed pattern. Together with some random shallow incision lines, they form an abstract painting with textured surface where some slip forms small droplets at the end of the stroke. The work was created in traditional Japanese manner and reflects the beauty of Wabi Sabi, a Zen aesthetic for the imperfect perfection. The base was incised with the artist's cipher. "Makoto Yabe's work beautifully exemplifies the transmission of Japanese ceramics to the West. Born in Fukushima, Japan, Yabe began studying ceramics in Kyoto at the age of nine. He completed his training at the age of 24, with a four-year apprenticeship under Jinmatsu Uno and Sango Uno. Yabe then came to Boston, where he was an integral member of the local ceramic community, yet he maintained his Japanese roots. As an instructor of ceramics, Yabe worked in the Boston area at numerous schools and universities, touching the lives of all his students and expanding their knowledge and appreciation of studio ceramics." Biography sited from Pucker Gallery...

A glazed ceramic vessel by Japanese potter Ryoji Koie (1938-2020). Hand-built with intention to be seen as such, the tsubo has a primordial irregular form with a small opening and a swelled body resembling a beehive. The upper body was covered in a glassy green oribe glaze with fine crackles, highlighted with three incised geometrical symbols. The lower body is unglazed and exposed the white clay with marks of the hand-making pinches and kneading along the base. The base also shows highly irregular surface due to the seashell spur marks and clay pitting in the kiln during the firing process. All these occurrences honestly preserved and presented as part of the character of this wonderful modern piece. The jar comes with a plain wooden tomobako box. "One of Japan’s most versatile and forward-thinking contemporary artists, KOIE RYOJI...

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 heavily potted stoneware vase in cylindrical form, decorated with abstract strokes in iron rust glaze (known as Persimmon Glaze in Japanese) on a black glazed background. The pattern suggests autumn grasses, and it was applied with free hands. The vase is attributed to Japanese potter Hamada Shoji...

Japanese pottery vase. Age: Japan, 20th Century Size: Height 28 C.M. / Width 13.5 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall.

Bicone vase by U-Turn Ushiro. It is baked for several days in an anagama (a kiln that burns firewood). It is shaped vertically symmetrically. The copper contained in the clay blows out on the surface, and reddish-black spots can be seen partially. It is a work where you can see various reactions of various ingredients. U-Turn Ushiro While working at the fire station...

Sculptural handmade vase with dark brown Japanese Tenmoku glaze by a London-based potter.

Absolutely stunning tapered turned studio clay vessel with a beautifully sculpted lid. Amazing glaze work with cascading puffy drips. Really a handsome piece. Signed by maker.