Shinoda Giichi (篠田義一), Japanese (1924-2010)

A Gourd-Shaped Sake Flask with Pine Design (金彩老松徳利)

Heisei Era (20th Sept 1982) 

About the work

A refined porcelain tokkuri (sake flask) by Shinoda Giichi, exquisitely painted in cobalt blue and highlighted with gold. The vessel’s gourd-shaped form, symbolizing prosperity and protection, provides a dynamic surface for the flowing pine motif. The old pine branches are depicted with expressive brushwork, contrasting beautifully against the gleaming bands of gold that encircle the piece.

The lustrous overglaze and rhythmic balance between blue and gold reveal Shinoda’s mastery of harmony in design and proportion. The base bears the artist’s signature, and the piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and artist’s leaflet.

Dimensions

14.5cm(h) x 9cm(w)

Footnote

Shinoda Giichi was a distinguished Japanese ceramic artist and Living National Treasure from Kawaji, Nagano Prefecture. Born into a family of potters, he studied under Kondo Yuzo in Kyoto from 1942 and later established his own kiln in Matsumoto. After debuting at the Nitten exhibitions in the late 1940s, he exhibited regularly and became known as one of Nagano’s leading ceramic artists. Elected a member of the Japan Kogeikai in 1962, he served as juror for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition and international biennales, earning high acclaim for his refined technical mastery and enduring contributions to modern Japanese ceramics.