– Sakata Jinnai, contemporary master working within ancient Jōmon ceramic traditions – Hand-built black ceramic with deeply textured surface echoing prehistoric Japanese pottery – Substantial 29 cm sculptural presence, equally powerful as vessel or pure art object Summary: Black ceramic flower vase by Sakata Jinnai continues the artist's exploration of Jōmon period aesthetics through contemporary ceramic sculpture. This work demonstrates Sakata's commitment to yakishime firing techniques and his ability to channel the raw, expressive energy of Japan's earliest pottery into modern form. The deeply textured black surface creates dramatic visual and tactile interest, whilst the vessel's sculptural silhouette commands attention whether holding flowers or standing alone. This is ceramics as meditation on cultural memory, technical mastery, and the timeless relationship between earth, fire, and human creativity. The contemporary revival of Jōmon-inspired pottery represents more than mere historical reference. For artists like Sakata Jinnai, these ancient forms offer a way to access something fundamental about the ceramic medium itself – the directness of hand-building, the unpredictability of fire, the beauty of unrefined surfaces. The yakishime technique, which involves no glaze whatsoever, places full emphasis on clay body, firing atmosphere, and the marks left by human hands. Each piece emerges from the kiln bearing the unique story of its making, with colour variations and surface effects that cannot be precisely replicated. This vase displays the characteristic features that make Sakata's work compelling to international collectors. The black surface – achieved through specific clay composition and reduction firing – possesses extraordinary depth, shifting from intense carbon black in recessed areas to softer charcoal tones where texture catches light. The cord impressions and hand-worked surfaces create rhythmic patterns that move the eye around the form, whilst the organic, asymmetrical silhouette recalls the flame-rimmed vessels of ancient Japan. There is nothing polished or precious about this aesthetic; instead, it embraces roughness, irregularity, and the honest expression of material and process. Standing 29 cm tall, this piece functions equally well as a flower vase or independent sculpture. Its scale suits residential interiors, whilst its presence feels substantial enough for gallery or institutional settings. In contemporary European and North American homes, particularly those that value Japanese design principles or collect studio pottery, such works provide powerful visual anchors. The deep black colour reads as sophisticated and modern, allowing the piece to integrate with minimalist aesthetics, yet the textured surface and hand-built quality immediately distinguish it from mass-produced design objects. Serious collectors of contemporary Japanese ceramics recognise the importance of artists who engage authentically with traditional techniques whilst developing personal aesthetic voices. Sakata Jinnai's work exemplifies this balance, honouring yakishime and Jōmon traditions without simply replicating historical forms. Museums and private collections worldwide increasingly value such pieces as important expressions of ongoing Japanese ceramic innovation. Overall in excellent vintage condition with only minor signs of age and handling. All surface textures, colour variations, and irregularities are intentional artistic elements. No chips, cracks, or damage affecting structure or display. Stable and ready for immediate use or exhibition. If this sculptural vessel resonates with your interest in Japanese ceramic traditions and contemporary art that speaks across millennia, we encourage you to add it to your collection. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1151