Item Description: Koinuma Michio stoneware platter. This distinctive work exemplifies Koinuma's unique sculptural approach to ceramic form, developed over five decades at his Ichimoku kiln in Mashiko. The platter demonstrates Koinuma's characteristic aesthetic—a surface that evokes ancient bronze patina combined with bold, architectural forms. The piece showcases the artist's signature approach of high-temperature firing that produces a dense, almost metallic hardness to the clay body. The subdued coloration and textured surface create an object that exists between ancient artifact and contemporary sculpture. This work reflects Koinuma's lifelong fascination with archaeological forms, rooted in his childhood experience assisting his elementary school teacher with excavations. This early encounter with ancient pottery profoundly shaped his artistic sensibility, leading him to create works that reference土偶 (clay figurines),埴輪 (haniwa), and bronze vessels while maintaining a distinctly contemporary voice. The piece comes with its original signed box, confirming authenticity. Koinuma's works are characterized by their refusal to conform to wheel-throwing conventions, allowing complete freedom in sculptural expression. Size Height: 2.6 cm Width: 30.7 cm Depth: 17.5 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage. Very well preserved. Artist Profile Koinuma Michio was born in 1936 in Tokyo. His artistic direction was profoundly influenced by a childhood experience—accompanying his elementary school teacher on archaeological excavations. This early exposure to ancient pottery and artifacts planted seeds that would define his entire artistic career. Initially pursuing conventional academic paths at Osaka University Faculty of Economics and Waseda University Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Koinuma found himself unable to forget the tactile experience of creating with his hands. He withdrew from university to pursue ceramics, teaching himself the fundamentals of the craft. In 1970, he established Ichimoku kiln in Mashiko, joining a generation of artists drawn to the town during a pivotal period. While Mashiko had built its reputation on glazed utilitarian pottery since the late Edo period, the 1970s saw the emergence of artists who, inspired by Kamoda Shoji, explored sculptural expression emphasizing clay's inherent qualities. Koinuma was among those attracted to this new direction, and he began developing his distinctive style from the outset of his career. His creative approach deliberately avoided the constraints of wheel-throwing, instead embracing hand-building techniques that expanded possibilities for sculptural form. This method allowed him to create works ranging from tea wares and sake vessels to large sculptural objects and flower vessels, all bearing his unmistakable aesthetic signature. Koinuma's works are distinguished by their evocation of multiple references—ancient bronze vessels, clay figurines, haniwa, and even超古代文明 (ultra-ancient civilizations)—while remaining entirely contemporary in execution. The surfaces often display what appears to be ancient bronze patina or the weathered quality of archaeological finds, achieved through high-temperature firing that produces exceptionally hard, almost metallic ceramics. Some works incorporate唐草紋 (arabesque patterns), while others feature boldly deformed human or animal forms. His achievements include winning the Excellence Award at the Kita-Kanto Art Exhibition in 1974, holding solo exhibitions at prominent venues including Ginza Kuroda Toen and major department stores, and receiving the Tochigi Marronnier Culture Award in 1991. His distinctive aesthetic vision earned him recognition as an unconventional figure in contemporary ceramics—an artist whose unique sensibility and worldview set him apart from mainstream trends. Koinuma continued working at his Mashiko kiln until his death in August 2020 at age 84, leaving behind a body of work that bridges ancient inspiration and contemporary expression. His works continue to fascinate collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate ceramics that challenge conventional categories, existing simultaneously as functional objects, sculptural forms, and meditations on archaeological time. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.