Item Description 明石庄作 Akashi Syosaku（1946–） This is a rare and collectible square decorative plate (kakuzara) crafted in the Mashiko-yaki (益子焼) tradition by acclaimed Mashiko ceramic artist Akashi Syosaku. The piece features the traditional hakeme (刷毛目) technique, in which white slip is applied to the clay body using a brush, intentionally leaving visible brush strokes to create a lively, rustic texture. Overlaying this ground, a graceful floral pattern (kamonmon) adorns the surface, combining hand-applied decoration with a warm, earthy glaze characteristic of Mashiko ware. The plate is square in form (kakuzara) and of generous size, making it suitable both as a display piece and as a presentation dish for fine cuisine. A maker's seal and signature inscription (zaimeikoin) are impressed into the base, authenticating the work as a genuine piece by Akashi Syosaku. The combination of the bold hakeme brushwork, the floral motif, and the unpretentious yet sophisticated Mashiko aesthetic make this an outstanding example of contemporary Japanese folk ceramics. Mashiko-yaki has been designated as a traditional craft (dentō kōgei) by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and pieces by recognized artists such as Akashi Syosaku are increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide. Size Height: 6 cm Width: 26 cm Depth: 26 cm Condition The plate is in very good condition with no significant scratches or stains; minor age-related wear consistent with storage may be present. Artist Profile 明石庄作 Akashi Syosaku（1946–） Akashi Syosaku was born in 1946 in Tochigi Prefecture, the heartland of Mashiko-yaki. He trained under a master potter from 1962 and went on to exhibit extensively at the Japan Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Kōgei-ten) from 1963, earning multiple prizes and commendations throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1981 he established his own kiln in Mashiko, and in 1998 he received the Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award. His work was purchased by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2002, and he has held celebrated solo exhibitions at major Tokyo department stores including Tobu Ikebukuro. Akashi is known for his masterful command of classic Mashiko decorative techniques — particularly hakeme (brushstroke slip), iron glaze, and floral motifs — while imparting a distinctly personal expression to each piece. His works are held in both public and private collections in Japan and abroad. Artist: 明石庄作 Akashi Syosaku（1946–） Title of Artwork: Rare Mashiko Hakeme Floral Square Plate by Akashi Syosaku — Technique / Material: Stoneware, hakeme (brushstroke white slip), floral decoration, natural glaze, Mashiko-yaki Size: 26 × 26 × 6 cm Condition: Very good — no significant damage Signature / Marks: Maker's seal and signature inscription on base (zaimeikoin) NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.