A vessel that merges sculptural boldness with earthy surface textures, commanding attention through its tactile presence and mythological form. Description: The piece takes the form of a demon's head with expressive, exaggerated features: wide eyes rendered in cream and dark glazes with gold-rimmed pupils, a broad flattened nose, and a mouth revealing rows of modeled teeth. Two upward-curving horns rise from the crown, finished in lustrous gold with incised decorative patterns. The surface is covered in layered glazes that shift from deep slate grey to soft blue-green and warm brown tones, creating a mottled, organic effect. The glaze flows naturally, pooling in recesses and breaking over high points to reveal the underlying stoneware body.The facial modeling is bold and sculptural: pronounced brow ridges frame the eyes, flared nostrils add dimension to the nose, and a grimacing mouth is set with individual teeth. The mane and beard are suggested through undulating, wave-like ridges that wrap around the sides and back, creating rhythmic texture across the surface. The interior is glazed in softer tones, forming a functional opening at the top of the head.The base remains unglazed, showing the natural buff-colored clay with visible hand-modeling marks. The form is compact and substantial, designed to rest securely on a flat surface. Cultural & Art Context: Oni figures have appeared in Japanese ceramic traditions for centuries, serving roles that range from protective guardians to playful vessels for festive occasions. The demon form—fearsome yet approachable—has been reinterpreted across folk pottery, architectural ornaments, and studio ceramics. Contemporary potters continue to revisit these mythological motifs, blending traditional iconography with modern glazing techniques and sculptural freedom. Collector Appeal: Pieces that balance sculptural expression with functional form offer an engaging addition to collections of contemporary Japanese ceramics. The combination of dramatic modeling, layered glazing, and gilt embellishment reflects the inventive character of modern studio pottery. Dimensions: Height: 10.5 cm Width: 10.2 cm Depth: 11.4 cm Weight: 212 g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Ryoma Hiramatsu is a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist based in Chiba Prefecture. He first encountered ceramics during his university studies, which sparked his path as a studio potter. From the early stages of his career, Hiramatsu has pursued a vision of creating works that transcend conventional boundaries. His creative inspiration draws from fossils, minerals, dragons, and oni demons, resulting in a diverse body of work characterized by bold sculptural forms and complex surface treatments. Hiramatsu has held multiple solo exhibitions at prestigious venues including松森美術 (Matsumori Fine Art) in Kyobashi, Tokyo, and ギャラリー器館 (Gallery Utsuwakan) in Kyoto. His work encompasses various series including "Kiretsumon" (crack pattern), "Ryuretsumon" (dragon crack pattern), "Yosai" (mysterious coloring), and works featuring ammonite and mineral-inspired glazes. His pieces are handled by established galleries specializing in contemporary Japanese ceramics. 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.