Item Description This exquisite tea bowl is a masterpiece by 林正太郎 Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947), one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary Shino ware artists. Created in the traditional Shino style that originated in Mino during the Momoyama period, this piece showcases Hayashi's distinctive approach to this iconic Japanese ceramic technique. The bowl features the characteristic milky-white feldspar glaze (Shino glaze) generously applied to the surface, creating a soft, tactile quality that is the hallmark of authentic Shino ware. The glaze reveals subtle variations in thickness, with areas displaying the coveted "hi-iro" (fire color) - warm reddish-brown tones that emerge naturally during the firing process when iron in the clay body reacts with the flame. These subtle color transitions add depth and visual interest to the piece. The form exhibits Hayashi's bold and powerful approach to shaping, with a sturdy yet refined structure that sits comfortably in the hand. The clay body beneath the glaze shows the characteristic pinkish-white color of mogusa clay, a special type of iron-poor clay found in the Mino region, known for its low shrinkage and high firing resistance. The surface displays the natural pinholes and crackle patterns (kannyu) typical of Shino glazing, which occur during the firing and cooling process. These subtle imperfections are not flaws but rather celebrated characteristics that give each piece its unique personality and demonstrate the interaction between clay, glaze, and fire. This tea bowl comes with its original wooden box (kiri-bako), signed by the artist, which authenticates the piece and preserves its provenance. Hayashi Shotaro, designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Shino ware by Gifu Prefecture in 2012, has received numerous prestigious awards including all three major prizes at the Mino Ceramics Exhibition - the Mino Ceramics Grand Prize, Shoroku Prize, and Kobei Prize. The bowl is in pristine condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The beautiful coloration throughout demonstrates the artist's mastery of kiln firing and glaze application. This piece represents not merely a recreation of historical Shino but Hayashi's continuous pursuit of new expressions while honoring traditional techniques. Size Height: 7.8 cm Width: 13.0 cm Depth: 13.2 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage. The piece displays beautiful color variation throughout and shows no signs of chips, cracks, or repairs. Artist Profile 林正太郎 Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947) was born into a kiln family in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, the heartland of Mino ceramics. Despite growing up surrounded by pottery, he initially showed little interest in ceramics and pursued a career as a salaryman after high school. However, after just eight months, he returned home and began studying under his elder brother, Kotaro. His unique and powerful Shino works quickly gained recognition. In 1968, he won the top prize at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition, followed by the Governor's Prize at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition in 1971. At the prestigious Mino Ceramics Exhibition, he achieved the unprecedented feat of winning all three major prizes - the Mino Ceramics Grand Prize, Shoroku Prize, and Kobei Prize - making him the first artist in the exhibition's history to accomplish this. Hayashi's approach to Shino is characterized by deep research into traditional Mino materials and techniques, combined with innovative applications using modern materials and fuels. The result is work featuring powerful forms, soft glaze surfaces created from his own blend of feldspars, and rich fire colors filled with the vitality of flame. He does not merely recreate Momoyama-era Shino but continuously seeks new expressions, creating Shino works brimming with creativity. In 2012, Hayashi was designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Shino) by Gifu Prefecture, recognizing his role in preserving and advancing this important ceramic tradition. He continues to work actively, with a 77th birthday commemoration exhibition held at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi in 2024, demonstrating his ongoing artistic vitality. 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.