Ken Mihara (三原研) (b.1958) - Tea bowl - Stoneware
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Yunomi in unglazed stoneware (yakishime) by Ken Mihara (b. 1958) from Japan, 11 cm high, 8 cm wide and 6.5 cm deep, dating to circa 1980–1990s, in excellent condition, and supplied with the original tomobako and the artist’s printed career leaflet.
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Description from the seller
A yunomi (tea cup) in unglazed stoneware (yakishime) by Ken Mihara, one of the most internationally celebrated names in contemporary Japanese ceramics today. Built by coiling rather than on the wheel and fired without any applied glaze, the surface develops its rich, smoky black-to-brown coloration entirely through the kiln's atmosphere and Mihara's own closely guarded firing technique — a process that recalls ancient Sue ware while remaining unmistakably modern in its quiet, architectural presence. The cup's subtly irregular, hand-formed rim reflects the sculptural sensibility for which Mihara is best known internationally. Comes with the original tomobako and the artist's own printed career leaflet.
【Artist Profile】
Ken Mihara (b. 1958, Shimane Prefecture) trained under the potter Kenkichi Funaki from 1981 and went on to become one of the foremost figures in contemporary Japanese yakishime (unglazed stoneware) ceramics. Working exclusively by hand-coiling and firing without glaze, Mihara has developed an instantly recognizable body of work in which sculptural, often architectural forms emerge from the raw interaction of clay, flame, and ash. His work has been recognized with major honours including the Grand Prize at the Tanabe Museum of Art's Chanoyu Zokei Exhibition (2001), the Energia Art Award (2002), and second prize at the Paramita Ceramic Art Exhibition (2006). Mihara's pieces are held in the public collections of some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and, in Japan, the Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the Hyogo Ceramic Museum of Art. He continues to exhibit actively both in Japan and internationally.
【Condition】
Excellent. Minor signs of age commensurate with careful storage.
【Shipping】
Carefully packed and shipped internationally with full tracking for safe delivery.
Size: H 11 x W 8 x D 6.5 cm
※Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding※
Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country's import regulations and are beyond the seller's control. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery. Please bid with confidence
Seller's Story
Welcome to Zen Finds, where the timeless spirit of Japanese art meets contemporary sensibility.
I specialize in authentic Japanese antiques, fine crafts, and artworks that embody the essence of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Each item is hand-selected in Japan for its cultural depth, aesthetic harmony, and the story it carries within.
My focus is not on quantity, but on meaning — sharing works that speak softly yet reveal the depth of Japanese aesthetics through simplicity and silence. I collaborate with trusted sources and collectors across Japan to curate genuine pieces that reflect the country’s artistic heritage.
The name “Zen Finds” expresses the idea of discovering beauty in stillness — treasures that invite contemplation and connect people to the quiet spirit of Japan.
Every item is carefully packed and shipped worldwide with respect and attention to detail, ensuring it reaches collectors in perfect condition.
Each piece is a quiet reflection of Japan’s enduring beauty, waiting to find its place in your collection.
A yunomi (tea cup) in unglazed stoneware (yakishime) by Ken Mihara, one of the most internationally celebrated names in contemporary Japanese ceramics today. Built by coiling rather than on the wheel and fired without any applied glaze, the surface develops its rich, smoky black-to-brown coloration entirely through the kiln's atmosphere and Mihara's own closely guarded firing technique — a process that recalls ancient Sue ware while remaining unmistakably modern in its quiet, architectural presence. The cup's subtly irregular, hand-formed rim reflects the sculptural sensibility for which Mihara is best known internationally. Comes with the original tomobako and the artist's own printed career leaflet.
【Artist Profile】
Ken Mihara (b. 1958, Shimane Prefecture) trained under the potter Kenkichi Funaki from 1981 and went on to become one of the foremost figures in contemporary Japanese yakishime (unglazed stoneware) ceramics. Working exclusively by hand-coiling and firing without glaze, Mihara has developed an instantly recognizable body of work in which sculptural, often architectural forms emerge from the raw interaction of clay, flame, and ash. His work has been recognized with major honours including the Grand Prize at the Tanabe Museum of Art's Chanoyu Zokei Exhibition (2001), the Energia Art Award (2002), and second prize at the Paramita Ceramic Art Exhibition (2006). Mihara's pieces are held in the public collections of some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and, in Japan, the Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the Hyogo Ceramic Museum of Art. He continues to exhibit actively both in Japan and internationally.
【Condition】
Excellent. Minor signs of age commensurate with careful storage.
【Shipping】
Carefully packed and shipped internationally with full tracking for safe delivery.
Size: H 11 x W 8 x D 6.5 cm
※Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding※
Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country's import regulations and are beyond the seller's control. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery. Please bid with confidence
Seller's Story
Welcome to Zen Finds, where the timeless spirit of Japanese art meets contemporary sensibility.
I specialize in authentic Japanese antiques, fine crafts, and artworks that embody the essence of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Each item is hand-selected in Japan for its cultural depth, aesthetic harmony, and the story it carries within.
My focus is not on quantity, but on meaning — sharing works that speak softly yet reveal the depth of Japanese aesthetics through simplicity and silence. I collaborate with trusted sources and collectors across Japan to curate genuine pieces that reflect the country’s artistic heritage.
The name “Zen Finds” expresses the idea of discovering beauty in stillness — treasures that invite contemplation and connect people to the quiet spirit of Japan.
Every item is carefully packed and shipped worldwide with respect and attention to detail, ensuring it reaches collectors in perfect condition.
Each piece is a quiet reflection of Japan’s enduring beauty, waiting to find its place in your collection.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Material
Stoneware
Country of origin
Japan
Designer/artist/maker
Ken Mihara (三原研) (b.1958)
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
11 cm
Width
8 cm
Estimated period
1980-1990, 1990-2000
