Item Description This is a glazed ceramic plate by Kimura Yoshiro (木村芳郎 Kimura Yoshiro, b. 1946), a Japanese ceramic artist based in Higashi-Hiroshima and founder of the Taiso Kiln (太祖窯). The plate showcases his signature turquoise-to-cobalt glaze, widely known as "Kimura Blue" (木村ブルー), created through his distinctive hekiyu (碧釉) technique. The glaze shifts gradually from a pale, transparent aquamarine at the rim to a deep, almost black sapphire pool at the centre, achieved through multiple layered firings. The reverse of the plate bears a single hand-painted character mark within a foot ring, characteristic of Kimura's studio pieces. The plate comes with its original wooden storage box (tomobako), typically inscribed and signed by the artist, further supporting its authenticity and provenance. A striking example of contemporary Japanese studio ceramics, this piece would suit both display and practical use, and makes an appealing addition to a collection of modern Japanese pottery. Size Height: 3 cm Width: 22 cm Depth: 22 cm Weight 560 g Condition The plate is in overall good condition with no notable chips or cracks observed. Fine crackle (crazing) is visible throughout the glaze surface, which is a natural characteristic of this glaze technique rather than damage. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed visual assessment. Artist Profile Kimura Yoshiro (b. 1946) was born in Ehime Prefecture and is a ceramicist based in Hiroshima, one of Japan's most internationally recognised contemporary potters. Deeply influenced by the philosophies of Zen Buddhism and the Way of Tea, he travelled extensively during his university years before returning to Japan to pursue ceramics in earnest. In 1975 he established his Taiso Kiln (太祖窯) in Higashi-Hiroshima and is known for his independently developed hekiyu (碧釉) glaze, a vivid, luminous deep blue applied to works of modern, simplified form. He also employs a rippling decorative technique known as renmon to create wave-like effects on his pieces. This trademark cobalt blue glaze, developed during his twenties, is built up through multiple layers and consecutive firings of great difficulty, and the resulting colour has become universally known as "Kimura Blue." Kimura first exhibited at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten) in 1976, continued exhibiting there regularly, and received its Encouragement Prize in 1984. In 1989 he was awarded the runner-up prize at an international ceramics biennale. He has also received the Grand Prix at the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Exhibition and recognition at a tea-ware exhibition. His works are held in major public collections both in Japan and internationally, as well as in the collections of the Imperial Household Agency, the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art (Crafts Gallery), and the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. He has also held solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Tokyo, including in 2011, 2014, and 2017. Additional Information Artist: Kimura Yoshiro (木村芳郎), founder of Taiso Kiln, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan Technique: Hekiyu (碧釉) turquoise-to-cobalt glaze, known as "Kimura Blue" Provenance: Comes with the original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) 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.