Shunichi Yabe Kofu #3, Wind of Light, Bizen Stoneware, 2013

This is a very old interesting Chinese Export stoneware Longquan Celadon bowl, which we date to the early Ming or later Yuan Dynasty, circa 14...

This is a very old interesting Chinese stoneware Longquan Celadon bowl or plate with incised decoration, which we date to the Yuan Dynasty, circa 1300. The bowl is well potted on a low foot.  The bowl is an olive green colour having a celadon glaze with incised decoration to its centre of what looks like a flower stem and additionally three incised string lines to the outer wall. Unglazed parts fire to a terracotta brown colour as with the base section The piece is unmarked but for similar pieces see the superb book: Chinese Ceramics by He Li published by Thames & Hudson, 1996; pages 164 to 184. NOTES Longquan is a city in South west China. These wares were produced over a long time period from 959 to 1550; which covers the Northern Song, Southern Song...

A small light blue cloisonne enamel vase with an egret, the white bird standing in water in front of a lotus plant with blue and purple flowers, the rim stamped ‘Cloisonne Japan...

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...