A vessel where sculptural intensity and tactile earthiness converge, holding the viewer's attention with quiet, unsettling presence. Description: The piece is formed as a demon's head with exaggerated features: wide, staring eyes rendered in cream and dark glaze, a broad nose, and a mouth set with exposed teeth. Two horns rise from the crown, finished in lustrous gold with incised decorative patterns that catch the light. The body is covered in mottled glazes ranging from deep slate blue-grey to warm brown and cream, applied in overlapping layers that create a painterly, organic surface. The glaze pools and breaks naturally, revealing the buff-colored stoneware beneath in scattered areas. The facial features are modeled with bold, sculptural relief: pronounced brow ridges, deep-set eyes, flared nostrils, and a grimacing mouth. The mane and beard are suggested through undulating, wave-like ridges that wrap around the sides and back of the head, creating rhythmic texture. The interior is glazed in a softer blue-grey tone, forming a functional vessel opening at the top of the head. The base is left unglazed, showing the natural clay body with hand-modeling marks visible. The overall form is compact and weighty, designed to sit firmly on a flat surface. Cultural & Art Context: Oni figures have long held a place in Japanese ceramic traditions, appearing in folk pottery, architectural ornaments, and functional wares. The demon form—fearsome yet approachable—has been reinterpreted across centuries, from protective talismans to playful drinking vessels. Contemporary studio potters often revisit these mythological forms, combining traditional iconography with expressive glazing techniques and sculptural freedom. Collector Appeal: Pieces that blend sculptural presence with functional form offer an engaging addition to collections of contemporary Japanese ceramics. The combination of dramatic modeling, layered glazing, and gilt detailing reflects the playful yet technically accomplished character of modern studio pottery. Dimensions: Height: 11.0 cm Width: 9.7 cm Depth: 11.0 cm Weight: 216 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.