Kiyoko Koyama (神山清子), Japanese, (1936-2023)

A Shigaraki Natural-Ash Glazed Kinuta Flower Vase (信楽自然釉砧花入)

Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

A powerful kinuta (砧, mallet-shaped) flower vase by Kiyoko Koyama, one of the foremost contemporary Shigaraki ceramicists, recognized for her pioneering use of traditional anagama (wood-fired) techniques.

The vase rises to a tall, narrow neck with a broad shoulder tapering into a rounded base, echoing the classical kinuta form. Its surface is richly adorned with natural ash glaze created during prolonged wood firing, producing cascades of olive green, milky feldspathic white, and warm reddish tones of exposed clay. The bold contrasts of fire and earth highlight the raw energy of Shigaraki ware while preserving the elegance of its functional form.

The work is accompanied by its original signed tomobako (wooden storage box), cloth, and exhibition materials.

Dimensions

23cm(h) x 16cm(w)

Footnote

Kiyoko Koyama (1936-2023) was born in Sasebo, Nagasaki, and later moved to Shigaraki after World War II. Initially working in ceramic decoration, she shifted to pottery at 30, pursuing the dream of recreating Shigaraki natural ash glazes using an anagama kiln. Over years of dedication and struggle, including building her own kiln, she perfected her craft, earning nationwide acclaim. Koyama held numerous solo exhibitions and became a celebrated figure in Japanese pottery.