Hayashi Shotaro (林正太郎), Japanese (b. 1947)

A Shino Ware Vase (志野焼 花瓶)

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

About the work

An elegant Shino ware vase by the esteemed Hayashi Shintaro, a master of Mino glazes and a celebrated figure in Japanese ceramic artistry. This vase showcases Hayashi’s profound expertise in the Shino tradition, with its softly textured surface and interplay of white and earthy tones, characteristic of this historic glaze technique originating from the Momoyama period (16th century). The slender, vertical form is both graceful and versatile, making it a refined vessel for ikebana floral arrangements or a striking standalone decorative piece.

Included with the vase is a tomobako (signed wooden storage box) and a protective cloth, underscoring its authenticity and collectible value.

Dimensions

6.5cm(w) x 21.7cm(h)

Footnote

Hayashi Shotaro, born in 1947 in Toki City—a region renowned for its Mino ceramics—initially pursued a career as a salaryman in Nagoya before returning to his roots to study pottery under his brother. His innate talent soon flourished, earning him accolades such as the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968 and the Governor’s Award at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition in 1971.

An official Beholder of Intangible Cultural Property of the Mino Prefecture, Hayashi has had his works included in numerous museum collections both in Japan and internationally. His robust forms and masterful use of traditional Shino techniques have cemented his status as one of the foremost figures in modern Japanese ceramics, while his contemporary innovations, such as the Manyosai glaze, continue to inspire new generations of ceramic artists.