About the Works Artist: Tokuda Yasokichi II 二代 徳田八十吉 (1907—1997) / Ryuuuken 柳雨軒 Title of work: Kutani Ware Tea Bowl with Deep Iridescent Yōhen Glaze 九谷焼深厚耀変茶碗 This work, “Kutani Ware Tea Bowl with Deep Iridescent Yōhen Glaze,” is an exquisitely refined tea bowl that elevates the traditions of Kutani ware into a contemporary form. Streams of black and amber glazes intersect fluidly across the surface, creating a poetic expression that evokes abstract landscapes and natural phenomena.​ On the exterior, deep black glaze blends seamlessly with radiant gold hues, merging like a painting. This is achieved through the yohen (kiln-transformation) technique, where unexpected patterns arise from the reactions of glaze and flame inside the kiln, resulting in truly unique designs beyond the artist’s intention.​ The interior is finished in a warm yellow glaze, with subtle speckling and tonal fluctuations adding gentle luster and depth. In several places along the rim, the black glaze from the exterior naturally flows inward, imparting organic motion and rhythm throughout the bowl. This element of chance, inherent to yohen, brings an even greater sense of artistry to the work. The vessel’s profile features a slightly flared rim and a balanced, dignified stance. The foot is left unglazed to reveal the clay body, reflecting Japanese ceramic tradition. The base bears the maker’s signature, attesting to the piece’s authenticity and provenance. This tea bowl is not merely a utensil, but an art object embodying the beauty of transformation shaped by fire and glaze. It captures the essence of Japanese ceramics—where nature, happenstance, technique, and intention converge in perfect harmony.​ Size Width: 12.7 cm Height: 5.7 cm Weight: 213 g About the Artist Tokuda Yasokichi II (Ryuuken), born in 1907 in Nomi, Ishikawa Prefecture, was a leading 20th-century artist of Kutani ware. Adopted by Tokuda Yasokichi I in 1923, he inherited advanced Kutani ceramic techniques and continually refined his craft. In 1951, he received the Asakura Prize at the Nitten Exhibition, and, in 1953, was officially recognized as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for his achievements in the field of Kutani ware—one of the highest honors in Japanese arts.​ Tokuda Yasokichi II devoted himself to the revival and innovation of classic “aote-Kokutani” glazes and was renowned for his use of black, gold, amber, and other glazes in abstract, poetic designs. His work was internationally recognized, receiving the Grand Prix at the Brussels World Exposition in 1958, alongside numerous other awards. Throughout his life, he accumulated many distinctions, including the Hokoku Cultural Prize, the Japan Ceramic Society Prize, and the Medal with Purple Ribbon.​ In 1988, Tokuda Yasokichi II passed the Yasokichi name to his eldest son and took the name Momokichi. Until his death in 1997, he remained dedicated to both innovation and the continuation of Kutani traditions. His ceramics are celebrated worldwide as masterworks representing the essence of Japanese pottery: the interplay of tradition, creativity, nature, and chance.​ Awards 1924 Selected for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Craft Exhibition​ 1926 Selected for the Ishikawa Prefecture Crafts Promotion Association​ 1951　 Special Selection and Asakura Prize, Nitten Exhibition​ 1953 Recognized as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Kutani ware (Designated Living National Treasure)​ 1958 Grand Prix, Brussels World Exposition​ 1976 Appointed Honorary Executive and Advisor to the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ceramics Association​ 1985 Hokoku Cultural Prize​ 1986 Japan Ceramic Society Prize​ 1988 Fujiwara Kei Prize​ 1990 Grand Prize, International Ceramic Exhibition / Komatsu City Cultural Prize​ 1991 　　 Grand Prize (Chichibu-no-miya Cup), Japan Ceramic Exhibition​ 1993 Medal with Purple Ribbon (Imperial Decoration)​ Appearance Please see photos for details. Shipping Information Items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. Please note that we are unable to under-declare the value of an item or mark it as a gift for shipping purposes. Obligations of the importer Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the bid price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be before bidding or purchasing. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.