A quiet vessel where flowing glazes and soft contours create a gentle, contemplative presence. Description The bowl presents a rounded form with subtly irregular walls that taper gently inward toward the rim. The body is covered in a soft white glaze that flows unevenly across the surface, creating a landscape of translucent pools and exposed clay. Dark iron-rich glazes descend from the upper half in organic, cloud-like formations, their edges dissolving into russet browns and smoky grays. These darker zones contrast with the milky white base, revealing the natural interplay of heat and mineral within the kiln. The rim undulates slightly, following the hand-formed contours of the vessel. Small iron spots and freckles are scattered across the white glaze, evidence of the firing process and the reactive nature of the clay body. The glaze drips extend downward in irregular patterns, some pooling near the foot, others trailing off into delicate rivulets. The surface texture is smooth to the touch where the white glaze has settled thickly, and rougher where the clay emerges. The base reveals an unglazed foot ring and exposed clay body in warm beige tones. The underside shows the marks of hand-shaping, with concentric rings radiating from the center. Glaze has flowed down onto portions of the foot, creating small beads and rivulets that froze in place during cooling. The clay itself is fine-grained and even, characteristic of carefully prepared stoneware. Cultural & Art Context Shino ware has been valued in Japanese tea culture for centuries, appreciated for the interplay between white feldspathic glazes and the warm clay beneath. The tradition emerged from Mino Province kilns and became celebrated for its quiet, unassuming beauty. Studio potters working in the latter half of the 20th century continued to explore Shino aesthetics, combining historical techniques with individual artistic expression. Collector Appeal Works by Hayashi Kotaro are appreciated for their quiet refinement and careful attention to glaze interaction. Pieces from his mature period offer collectors an opportunity to engage with postwar Japanese studio ceramics that balance traditional techniques with individual artistic vision. Dimensions Height: 9.0 cm Diameter: 12.1 cm Weight: 548 g Condition No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile Hayashi Kotaro (born 1940) is a Japanese ceramic artist active from the latter half of the 20th century. Born in Showa 15 (1940), he developed his practice within the postwar studio ceramics movement in Japan. Hayashi is a member of the Japan Traditional Craft Association and has exhibited regularly at major national exhibitions including the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten). His work is characterized by refined glaze techniques and a sensitivity to the interaction between form and surface. Throughout his career, he has received recognition at regional and national craft exhibitions. Hayashi's work demonstrates a commitment to the aesthetic principles of subtlety and natural beauty that define modern Japanese studio pottery. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.