Woodfired Natural Ash Glazed Shigaraki Vase by Takahashi Rakusai IV

A tall ceramic vase made in the tradition of Shigaraki ware by Japanese potter Takahashi Shunsai (1927-2011), the fourth heir of the famed Rakusai lineage of potters. The vase is heavily potted in the reddish sandy Shigaraki clay. It has a Classic vase form made for Ikebana display. The surface is thickly draped with natural ash glaze that deposited onto the body during the firing process in the kiln. It also features decoration of carved lines. Nuggets of feldspar were incorporated in the clay and exposed onto the surface as crystal like jewels. Substantial and archaic looking, the vase also has a strong modern appeal due to its Mingei styling. It was signed on the base with a pressed seal Shunsai as shown. The vase comes with its original wood storage box (tomobako) with bears the title and signature in Kanji and a seal. It also retains a paperwork noting the artist's biography and practice philosophy in Japanese. Born in Shigaraki, Shunsai was the second son of renowned potter Takahashi Rakusai...

A stunning Shigaraki ware pottery chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese master potter the 3rd Rakusai Takahashi. The bowl features a beautiful, unique natural organic ash glaze with wond...

A stunning Shigaraki ware pottery chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese master potter the 3rd Rakusai Takahashi. The bowl features a beautiful, unique natural organic ash glaze with wonderful shifts in colour and texture. Rakusai Takahashi III (1898-1976) is universally considered one of the most important Japanese potters of the 20th century. In 1964 he was named a human cultural treasure and bestowed a Shiga Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property. His work can be found in numerous collections and international museums including the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, and the Brooklyn Museum to name a couple. Shigaraki Ware pottery comes from Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The kiln there is one of six ancient kilns in Japan (along with Echizen ware, Seto ware, Bizen ware, Tamba ware...

A wonderful example of the work of master Japanese potter, Shunichi Inoue. This vessel dates from his Australian residency. We love the potency of this very simple form - it has a powerful presence, connoting stillness, composure. For some reason it makes me think of the moon. It has the same still, calm, abiding presence. Shunichi Inoue studied ceramics at Kyoto City University of Arts 1969-75. He travelled to Australia to lecturer in ceramics at the Bendigo College of Advanced Education in Victoria, Australia where he stayed for three years. He returned to Australia in late 1984 as a visiting professor and again in 1993, when he made an extended stay. He was an active exhibitor and had an important influence on Australian pottery...

An impressive Shigaraki Tsubo (jar normally for storage) in an archaic form with a bulbous and robust body that opens with a small lipped mouth. Heavil...

A Shigaraki stoneware jar by Japanese potter Shino Kanzaki (1942-2018). Kanzaki is a world renowned potter in Shigaraki who based his modern work on the ancient tradition of Shigaraki and Iga ware...