Item Description Sakata Jinnai 坂田甚内 Sakata Jinnai (b.1943) — Gold-leaf Black Stoneware Sculpture "Shinjinmon" Figure with Dual Faces This is a striking sculptural work by the renowned Japanese studio potter Sakata Jinnai (b.1943), a master of black stoneware and gold-leaf decoration based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. The piece is an abstract figurative sculpture, generously covered in brilliant gold leaf that catches the light across every facet of its surface. Two serene, stylized faces are modeled on opposite sides of the work — one on the front, one on the reverse — each with closed eyes and a meditative, almost Jōmon-inspired expression. The front side also features subtly rendered female breasts, suggesting an archetypal mother-goddess or primordial figure. The surface is worked in Jinnai's signature "Shinjinmon" (深甚文) pattern — a deeply incised, rhythmic texture evoking cosmic energy and primordial memory — contrasted against the smooth, burnished planes of the faces. This is the same model featured on the poster of the artist's solo exhibition held in 2020, making the piece a documented representative example of his work. The underside bears the incised signature "甚" (Jin), the artist's mark. Jinnai's works are held in collections worldwide, including the British Museum (London), the Rockefeller Foundation, and Waseda University. The box is not included. Size Height: 12.2 cm Width: 20.3 cm Depth: 14.3 cm Weight 404 g / 0.404 kg Condition Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or losses to the gold leaf surface. Artist Profile Sakata Jinnai 坂田甚内 Sakata Jinnai (b.1943) was born in Tokyo and studied under the master potter Kamoda Shōji from 1964. In 1966 he built his own kiln in Kamiōba, Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, and has since become one of the leading figures in postwar Japanese studio ceramics. He is renowned for his black stoneware (kokutō) decorated with gold leaf and lacquer, often inspired by cosmic rhythms and Jōmon-era imagery. He has held solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Takashimaya (since 1987), Seibu Department Store, and Akasaka Green Gallery, as well as at Art Gallery Takashimaya New York (1994). His works are held in major international collections including the British Museum, the Rockefeller Foundation, Waseda University, and Tsinghua University in Beijing. In 2013 he dedicated a large gold-leaf platter titled "Homage to the Sun" to Ise Grand Shrine, and in 2014 dedicated a glass-and-foil sculpture "Wa Annei" to Atsuta Shrine. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL , FedEx or Japan Post depend on the situation. It takes about 10 days 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 us and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate for your kind cooperation.