Nezumi Shino Chawan — Wabi-Sabi in Every Curve - Ceramic - Shoji Goto 五島彰二 (b.1952) - Japan - Heisei period (1989-present)

This exquisite Nezumi Shino chawan (tea bowl) is the work of Japanese ceramic artist Shoji Goto (五島彰二), a potter renowned for his deep engagement with traditional aesthetics and subtle glaze techniques. The tea bowl features a distinctive grayish-white feldspar glaze, softly covering the textured surface and subtly revealing the iron-rich clay beneath. Accents of warm reddish-orange hues—characteristic of Nezumi Shino ware—emerge around the edges, creating a dynamic visual flow that enhances the tactile and visual enjoyment of the piece.
The bowl's asymmetrical, slightly distorted rim and organic contours reflect the wabi-sabi philosophy, embracing imperfection and natural beauty. The piece feels balanced in hand, with a form carefully considered for use in the Japanese tea ceremony. The kodai (foot) is finely carved and signed by the artist, and the piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (wooden storage box) with calligraphy and red seal, an inscribed cloth, and a biographical leaflet.
This work exemplifies the blend of tradition and individual expression in contemporary Shino ware and is both a functional tea vessel and a collectible work of art.

About Nezumi Shino (鼠志野)
Nezumi Shino is a distinctive type of Shino ware developed during the late Momoyama period (late 16th century) in Japan. It is characterized by its soft, grayish glaze—hence the name "nezumi" (meaning "mouse" in Japanese)—which is achieved by applying an iron slip over the clay body, followed by a feldspathic white glaze. During firing, the interaction between the slip and glaze produces a soft gray tone, often accented by subtle reddish or orange iron spots, crackles, or textured surfaces.
Nezumi Shino pieces typically exhibit a rustic, earthy charm and irregular, hand-formed shapes that embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic of imperfection and transience. These ceramics were highly prized by tea masters for their subdued elegance and tactile qualities, making them especially popular for use in tea ceremonies. Today, Nezumi Shino continues to inspire contemporary ceramic artists who seek to balance traditional techniques with modern expression.

About Shoji Goto (五島彰二)
Shoji Goto is a respected Japanese ceramicist born in 1952 in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture. From a young age, he developed an interest in traditional Japanese pottery and pursued formal training in Kyoto, one of Japan’s major ceramic centers. In 1970, he began his apprenticeship at the Asahiyaki kiln in Uji, Kyoto, where he studied foundational techniques and traditional forms.
In 1975, Goto became a disciple of Yukitoshi Matsuyama (松山祐利), a master potter known for reviving historical kiln traditions. With this mentorship, Goto deepened his understanding of classical aesthetics while cultivating his personal artistic identity.
In 1980, he established his own kiln in his hometown of Uozu, and in 1985, he became a member of the Japan Kogei Association, Toyama Branch. His work has been widely exhibited throughout Japan, including solo exhibitions in Toyama and Nara during the 1990s. In 1994, his mentor Matsuyama formally bestowed upon him the kiln name "Isogama" (磯窯), a rare honor signifying artistic maturity and recognition.
Goto’s ceramics are celebrated for their sincere form, quiet beauty, and harmony with nature. He continues to work and exhibit, contributing significantly to the legacy of modern Japanese ceramics.

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