A quiet vessel where deeply carved concentric circles and diagonal grooves create a hypnotic rhythm across a dark, matte surface. Description: The piece takes the form of a bottle with a cylindrical body rising to a narrow neck and a wide, flat rim. The upper portion retains a pale, unglazed clay surface, while the lower two-thirds are covered in a dark, matte black slip or glaze that transitions softly into the lighter clay above. The body is hand-carved with a repeating pattern of concentric circles and diagonal grooves, each line pressed firmly into the clay before firing. The circular motifs vary slightly in size and depth, creating a sense of organic variation rather than mechanical precision. Diagonal bands of parallel lines weave between and across the circles, forming a complex, interlocking composition that wraps entirely around the vessel. The tactile quality of the carving is pronounced, with each incised line casting subtle shadows across the dark surface. The base is unglazed and shows throwing marks and a smooth, circular footring. A hand-carved mark is visible on the underside. The interior of the neck reveals wheel-thrown ridges, and the rim is clean and unadorned. Cultural & Art Context: Hand-carved surface decoration has long been valued in Japanese studio ceramics for the direct connection it creates between the potter's hand and the finished work. The use of incised patterns on dark, matte surfaces evokes the aesthetic lineage of Shigaraki and Bizen traditions, where natural clay bodies and restrained decoration allow the material itself to speak. Postwar Japanese potters often employed such techniques to explore the boundary between vessel and sculpture, honoring folk pottery roots while embracing modern studio sensibilities. Collector Appeal: Works by Sakata Jinnai are seldom seen outside Japan and offer collectors an opportunity to engage with the quieter, more meditative side of mid-20th-century Japanese ceramics. The piece's sculptural presence and rhythmic surface make it a compelling addition to collections focused on postwar studio pottery. Dimensions: Height: 26 cm Diameter: 14 cm Mouth diameter: 6.5 cm Weight: 1465 g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Sakata Jinnai (1901–1986) was a Japanese potter based in Ibaraki Prefecture. He studied under Matsui Kōsei (1927–2003), a prominent figure in the Japanese folk craft movement and pupil of Hamada Shōji. Sakata established his own kiln and dedicated his career to creating functional and sculptural stoneware rooted in traditional Japanese firing techniques. His work is characterized by hand-carved surface decoration, natural ash glazes, and a restrained palette that emphasizes the inherent qualities of clay. Sakata participated in various regional exhibitions throughout his career and is recognized for his contribution to the continuation of folk pottery traditions in postwar Japan. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.