About the Works Artist: Kaitaro Kojima 児島塊太郎 Title of work: Oribe chawan – Dripping Green – 織部茶碗 This is a handmade Oribe tea bowl by the Japanese ceramic artist Kaitaro Kojima. The piece features a bold design characteristic of Oribe ware, with vivid copper-green glaze and an asymmetrical form whose flowing glaze lines create a sense of natural beauty. Traditional brushed slip decoration enhances the surface, giving the bowl a rustic yet profound character. The bright green glaze stands out beautifully against the beige clay body, making this work highly appreciated not only as a tea utensil but also as a fine piece of ceramic art. Size: Diameter: 11 cm Height: 9 cm Weight: 315 g About the Artist Ceramic artist Kaitaro Kojima, based in Soja City, Okayama Prefecture, was born in 1947 in the nearby city of Takahashi and is known for his distinctive style that focuses on Oribe ware despite living in a region famous for Bizen ware. Growing up as the grandson of Western-style painter Kojima Torajiro, he was surrounded by art from an early age, which naturally fostered a strong sensitivity to form and a deep interest in foreign cultures. After studying ceramics under Keisuke Fujiwara, he established his own kiln in Soja, where he produces Oribe-based tea bowls, flower vases, plates, and other works, while also being active as a research member of the Japan Kogei Association. Kojima’s work is characterized by contemporary forms that incorporate sharp lines and planar compositions, while still drawing on the traditions of Mino Oribe. His individuality is especially evident in square plates and angular vases with handles. By emphasizing the contrast between the deep copper-green Oribe glaze and the earthy clay body, and by intentionally showcasing the flow and pooling of the glaze, his pieces are highly regarded as tea ceramics that combine both strength and modernity. In particular, his Oribe tea bowls skillfully balance a dynamic silhouette and a comfortable grip through slightly deformed rims and boldly shaped, full-bodied profiles. Kojima also has a strong interest in travel and different cultures, and he has created series that abstract motifs from around the world – such as the landscapes of the Nile in Egypt – and develops them across the surfaces of his vessels. Through geometric patterns and lines, he expresses a unique, personal worldview. In recent years, he has continued to work energetically, holding solo exhibitions to mark milestones such as his 77th birthday. Through shows at department stores, museums, and regional cultural institutions, he has earned a reputation as one of the leading figures in Oribe-style ceramics in the Okayama area. Awards ・From the 1980s onward: Selected and awarded multiple times at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, receiving prizes such as the Sanyo Shimbun Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Prize. ・Late 1980s–early 1990s: Wins the Mayor of Okayama Award at the Japan Kogei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition. ・Around 1990: Receives an Encouragement Prize at the Tanko Biennale “Tea Ceremony Art Open Exhibition” (Chanoyu art competition). ・1990s–2000s: Selected and awarded at various national and regional public exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Kogei (Crafts) Exhibition. ・In later years: Honored with the Soja City Cultural Meritorious Service Award and the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Award in recognition of his contributions to regional culture and the arts. 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 or shipping charges. 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.