Choshun Tenzan (長春天山) b. 1949

A Ko-Gusuri Vase (古韻壷) 

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019–present)

About the work

A striking and monumental Ko-Gusuri vase by Choshun Tenzan, a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist known for his bold, rustic forms and reverence for natural materials. This tall vessel exemplifies Tenzan’s distinctive approach—where the ancient spirit of clay meets a sculptor’s eye for dramatic surface and proportion.

The cylindrical form tapers subtly toward the base and flares gently at the mouth, presenting a balanced yet commanding silhouette. The surface is richly textured and deeply atmospheric, covered in layers of natural ash glaze from wood firing. Vitrified greens, iron-rich browns, and soft feldspathic grays intermingle with coarse carved textures and patches of scorched black, echoing the weathered surfaces of ancient earthen relics.

The work is signed and comes with its original tomobako (signed wooden box) and yellow cloth bearing the artist’s seal. 

Dimensions

41cm(h) x 22cm(w)

Footnote

Choshun Tenzan (b. 1949) was born in Kitakyushu City and is based in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture. His real name is Takenaka Keiichi (竹中啓一). He left university at the age of 19 to pursue pottery and, after years of training, established his own kiln in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, at the age of 39. Tenzan’s works are known for their powerful forms, richly textured surfaces, and deep connection to Japan’s ancient ceramic heritage.