Inlaid Forest Design Ceramic Box - Stoneware - 佐伯守美 Saeki Moriyoshi (1949-) - Japan - 1900-2000

Item Description:

This is an exquisite ceramic box (tohako) with inlaid forest design by Moriyoshi Saeki, created in 1992.

Measuring 8 cm in height and 17.5 cm in width, this piece exemplifies Saeki's mastery of the象嵌 (zogan/inlay) technique applied to naturalistic landscape imagery.

The work features Saeki's signature forest motif (jurin-mon), meticulously rendered through象嵌—a painstaking technique where the formed clay body is carved, then filled with clay of different colors, and finally refined through additional carving.

The vibrant coloration and careful application of glazes create an elegant composition with remarkable presence.

What distinguishes Saeki from other inlay artists is his transcendence of mere pattern-making into the realm of pictorial art.

While most ceramic inlay work employs geometric designs, Saeki depicts complete natural landscapes—forests, mountains, lakes, and skies—that function as independent paintings rather than decorative motifs.

The subtle gradations of sunset colors, the shimmer of trees reflected on water surfaces, and atmospheric depth are all achieved through masterful control of the inlay technique.

Born in 1949 in Utsunomiya as the eldest son of sculptor Rusuwo Saeki, Moriyoshi graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts (both undergraduate and graduate programs) in ceramics.

After joining Hanabusa Toen, he established his own studio in Kyubu, Haga Town, dedicating himself entirely to ceramic creation. His career spans over 50 years of continuous artistic development and innovation.

Saeki has received numerous prestigious awards including the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival Prize (1978), Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition Encouragement Prize (1988), International Ceramic Exhibition Excellence Prize (1988), Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Prize (1989), Maronnier Cultural Prize (1990), and Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education Prize (1991).

Notably, his "Inlaid Glaze-Decorated Forest Design Flat Jar" was acquired by the Imperial Household Agency in 2002, recognizing his work at the highest level.

This 1992 work represents a mature period of Saeki's artistic development, demonstrating the refined technique and artistic vision that has made him one of contemporary ceramics' most distinctive voices.

The piece comes with its original signed wooden box and is in excellent condition with no damage.


Size
Height: 8 cm
Width: 17.5 cm


Condition
Excellent condition with no damage.


Artist Profile
Moriyoshi Saeki (born 1949) stands as one of contemporary ceramics' most distinctive artists, renowned for transforming the traditional inlay (zogan) technique into a medium for pictorial landscape art. Born in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, as the eldest son of sculptor Rusuwo Saeki, he initially studied commercial design at Musashino Art University before transferring to Tokyo University of the Arts, where he completed both undergraduate and graduate studies in ceramics.
After graduating in 1975, Saeki joined Hanabusa Toen in Mashiko, one of the region's significant ceramic workshops. Following this formative experience, he established his independent studio in Kyubu, Haga Town, where he continues to create to this day. The decision to locate in this rural setting reflects his deep connection to nature, which remains the primary source of his artistic inspiration.
Saeki's signature achievement lies in elevating ceramic inlay from decorative pattern-making to genuine pictorial art. While most inlay artists work with geometric or stylized motifs, Saeki depicts complete natural landscapes—forests silhouetted against evening skies, mountains reflected in lake surfaces, seasonal trees in various atmospheric conditions. These are not mere decorations but complete compositions functioning as independent artworks. His process involves no preliminary sketches; instead, he carves directly into the formed clay body, inscribing what he calls his "inner landscape" (shinsho fukei)—emotional responses to nature crystallized through years of observation.
The technique itself is remarkably demanding. After wheel-throwing or forming the vessel, Saeki carves elaborate designs into the leather-hard clay, then inlays clays of different colors into these carved areas. After drying, excess clay is scraped away, leaving precise color transitions. Following bisque firing, glazes are applied to enhance the color palette and protect the surface. The entire process requires extraordinary control and foresight, as the artist must envision the final result through multiple transformative stages.
Beyond inlay, Saeki employs various decorative techniques including kakiotoshi (sgraffito), iron painting, and polychrome overglaze decoration, selecting methods appropriate to each work's requirements. His artistic achievements have been recognized through numerous awards: Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival Prize (1978), Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition Encouragement Prize (1988), International Ceramic Exhibition Excellence Prize (1988), Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Prize (1989), Maronnier Cultural Prize (1990), and Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education Prize (1991). In 2002, the Imperial Household Agency acquired his "Inlaid Glaze-Decorated Forest Design Flat Jar," representing official recognition at the highest level.
Throughout his career, Saeki has served as juror for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival Crafts Division, instructor at Tokyo University of the Arts (1987-2001), and lecturer at Bunsei University of Art. He became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1980, joining the ranks of the nation's most accomplished craft artists. Now celebrating over 50 years of ceramic work, he continues creating with undiminished passion, recently exploring cherry blossoms as a thematic subject, opening new creative territories while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice.


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