Konishi Yohei (小西洋平), Japanese (b. 1941)

A Tokoname Ware Decorative Vase

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

About the work

This tall and graceful decorative vase by Konishi Yohei exemplifies the refined artistry of modern Tokoname ware. Slender and elongated in form, it rises to a delicately flared rim, while its surface displays the distinctive deishinsai (泥心彩)  technique, layering subtle bands of color—deep earthy tones interwoven with shades of red and green—to create a harmonious marbled effect. The careful balance of shape and finish conveys both elegance and quiet dynamism, making the piece suitable as a flower vase or as a purely aesthetic object. 

The vase is housed in its original signed wooden box (tomobako), inscribed by the artist, with accompanying documents.

Dimensions

27.8cm(h) x 9.8cm(w)

Footnote

Konishi Yohei (b. 1941), the eldest son of master potter Yusen, was born in Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. After graduating from Tokoname Senior High School’s Ceramics Department in 1959, he quickly gained recognition, with early selections in the Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition and the Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition. His career includes numerous accolades, such as the Silver Prize at the 6th International Ceramic Exhibition in Vallauris, France (1978), and repeated entries in the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. Internationally active, he participated in the Japan-China International Ceramic Exhibition (1983) and the Malaysia International Ceramic Exchange (1992). Konishi has been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Tokoname and is a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association.