Miyashita Zenji (宮下善爾), Japanese (1939–2012)

A Celadon Tea Bowl - “Chū” (宙) 

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

This refined tea bowl, titled “Chu” (宙), was crafted by renowned ceramic artist Miyashita Zenji. The bowl is covered in a luminous celadon glaze with subtle variations in tone, evoking depth and atmosphere. Its gently flared form with tapering foot exhibits balance and elegance, while the faintly pooling glaze enhances the quiet sophistication of the piece.

The base bears the impressed seal of the artist, and the work is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and documentation, affirming its authenticity.

Dimensions

6cm(h) x 16cm(w)

Footnote

Miyashita Zenji (宮下善爾, 1939–2012) was a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist and graduate of Kyoto City University of Arts, where he studied under Kiyomizu Kyūbei and Kusube Yaichi. He began his career working with celadon, mastering the challenges of precise form and firing.

From 1964, he exhibited regularly at the Nitten, winning 18 awards. He became known for his technique of layering colored clays dyed with mineral pigments, creating delicate striations that evoke Heian-era court aesthetics. His works are held in major institutions including the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Freer and Sackler Galleries.