Sakata Jinnai - Box - Stoneware - Wave Carved Gilt Interior
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A stoneware lidded tomoe confectionery box by Sakata Jinnai (1943–2023), blue exterior with a gilt interior and gold leaf accents, measuring 36.2 cm wide, 29 cm deep, and 10 cm high, Japan, in good condition with light signs of ageing.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This striking lidded box is the work of Sakata Jinnai 坂田甚内 Sakata Jinnai (1943-2023), a distinguished Mashiko-yaki potter known for his sculptural, richly textured ceramics.
The piece takes the form of a tomoe (comma-shaped) confectionery box, its surface entirely covered in deeply incised concentric spiral and wave patterns, a hallmark of the artist's mature style. The exterior is finished in a soft periwinkle-blue glaze, accented throughout with scattered gold leaf highlights that catch the light across the swirling grooves. The interior of the box is glazed in a warm, lustrous gold tone, creating a dramatic contrast with the cool blue exterior when opened.
The underside of the lid bears the artist's impressed seal mark, confirming attribution to Sakata Jinnai. The unusual crescent silhouette, combined with the tactile carved surface and dual-tone glazing, reflects the artist's interest in organic, cosmic forms and his signature use of gold leaf and lacquer-inspired decoration.
This piece would have served as a kashiki (confectionery container) for the tea ceremony, though its sculptural presence also makes it a striking standalone display object.
Size
Width: 36.2 cm
Height: 10 cm
Condition
The box presents in generally good condition with light surface wear and minor soiling consistent with age and studio use, as visible in the accompanying photographs. No significant chips or structural damage were noted on visual inspection; buyers are encouraged to review all images closely, as fine surface texture can make small imperfections harder to see in photographs.
Artist Profile
Sakata Jinnai was born in Tokyo in 1943. He trained under the renowned Mashiko potter Shoji Kamoda (加守田章二) from 1964 and established his own climbing kiln (noborigama) in Kami-Oba, Mashiko Town, in 1966. He is considered part of a talented generation of potters, alongside figures such as Yasuda Takeshi and Koinuma Michio, who brought renewed creative energy to Mashiko ware in the postwar decades.
His work is characterised by earthy, primal forms, often inlaid with gold leaf or partially finished with lacquer-inspired glazing for dramatic visual effect. His signature decorative motif, shinjin-mon (深甚紋), consists of dense wave-like incised patterns said to evoke the depths of the cosmos.
Sakata held solo exhibitions at major venues including the Akasaka Green Gallery (from 1971), Ikebukuro Seibu Department Store, and Nihonbashi Takashimaya (biennially from 1987). In 2009 he was an invited artist at the 1st Shanghai International Ceramic Living Art Expo, and in 2013 he donated a large gold-leaf black ceramic plate, Homage to the Sun, to Ise Grand Shrine to mark its Shikinen Sengu relocation ceremony. His works are held in institutional collections including the British Museum, the Rockefeller Foundation, Waseda University, and Beijing Seika University. Sakata Jinnai passed away in 2023.
Additional Information
Artist: Sakata Jinnai (坂田甚内), Mashiko ware (益子焼), Japan
Ware type: Lidded confectionery box (kashiki), tomoe form
Decoration: Incised wave/spiral pattern, indigo glaze exterior, gilt interior, gold leaf accents
Marking: Impressed artist seal to underside of lid
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.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This striking lidded box is the work of Sakata Jinnai 坂田甚内 Sakata Jinnai (1943-2023), a distinguished Mashiko-yaki potter known for his sculptural, richly textured ceramics.
The piece takes the form of a tomoe (comma-shaped) confectionery box, its surface entirely covered in deeply incised concentric spiral and wave patterns, a hallmark of the artist's mature style. The exterior is finished in a soft periwinkle-blue glaze, accented throughout with scattered gold leaf highlights that catch the light across the swirling grooves. The interior of the box is glazed in a warm, lustrous gold tone, creating a dramatic contrast with the cool blue exterior when opened.
The underside of the lid bears the artist's impressed seal mark, confirming attribution to Sakata Jinnai. The unusual crescent silhouette, combined with the tactile carved surface and dual-tone glazing, reflects the artist's interest in organic, cosmic forms and his signature use of gold leaf and lacquer-inspired decoration.
This piece would have served as a kashiki (confectionery container) for the tea ceremony, though its sculptural presence also makes it a striking standalone display object.
Size
Width: 36.2 cm
Height: 10 cm
Condition
The box presents in generally good condition with light surface wear and minor soiling consistent with age and studio use, as visible in the accompanying photographs. No significant chips or structural damage were noted on visual inspection; buyers are encouraged to review all images closely, as fine surface texture can make small imperfections harder to see in photographs.
Artist Profile
Sakata Jinnai was born in Tokyo in 1943. He trained under the renowned Mashiko potter Shoji Kamoda (加守田章二) from 1964 and established his own climbing kiln (noborigama) in Kami-Oba, Mashiko Town, in 1966. He is considered part of a talented generation of potters, alongside figures such as Yasuda Takeshi and Koinuma Michio, who brought renewed creative energy to Mashiko ware in the postwar decades.
His work is characterised by earthy, primal forms, often inlaid with gold leaf or partially finished with lacquer-inspired glazing for dramatic visual effect. His signature decorative motif, shinjin-mon (深甚紋), consists of dense wave-like incised patterns said to evoke the depths of the cosmos.
Sakata held solo exhibitions at major venues including the Akasaka Green Gallery (from 1971), Ikebukuro Seibu Department Store, and Nihonbashi Takashimaya (biennially from 1987). In 2009 he was an invited artist at the 1st Shanghai International Ceramic Living Art Expo, and in 2013 he donated a large gold-leaf black ceramic plate, Homage to the Sun, to Ise Grand Shrine to mark its Shikinen Sengu relocation ceremony. His works are held in institutional collections including the British Museum, the Rockefeller Foundation, Waseda University, and Beijing Seika University. Sakata Jinnai passed away in 2023.
Additional Information
Artist: Sakata Jinnai (坂田甚内), Mashiko ware (益子焼), Japan
Ware type: Lidded confectionery box (kashiki), tomoe form
Decoration: Incised wave/spiral pattern, indigo glaze exterior, gilt interior, gold leaf accents
Marking: Impressed artist seal to underside of lid
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.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Wave Carved Gilt Interior
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Stoneware
Designer/artist/maker
Sakata Jinnai
Colour
Blue
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
10 cm
Width
36.2 cm
Depth
29 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
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