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

A Coloured Clay Flower Vase (彩泥風紋花器)

Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

A striking ceramic vase by Miyashita Zenji, celebrated for his masterful use of colored clays and rhythmic inlay techniques. Presented in a bold rectangular form, the work features a mesmerising “wind-pattern” motif: undulating horizontal bands of blue, violet, and soft rose clay sweeping across the ivory ground in fluid movement. The layered strata evoke shifting breezes across sand or water, a theme central to Miyashita’s mature expression.

A single circular mouth is set at the top edge, reinforcing its sculptural architecture, while the crisp corners and precise vertical profile offer a harmonious balance to the lively surface design. The artist’s signature appears boldly on the base.

Accompanied by its original wooden storage box, cloth, and document of authenticity.

Dimensions

18.5cm(h) x 12.4cm(w) x 5.3cm(d)

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.