Morino Akito (森野彰人), Japanese (b. 1953)

A Ceramic Sculpture - T.O.O 015

About the work

This striking contemporary ceramic sculpture titled “T.O.O 015” is the work of acclaimed Japanese ceramic artist Morino Akito (森野彰人). A member of a distinguished Kyoto pottery lineage, Morino combines tradition with modern sculptural language. This piece features a circular perforated form in matte black clay, contrasted by three smooth white porcelain elements that pierce the top—an interplay of texture, form, and void.

The rhythmic surface perforations evoke a meditative, organic quality, while the overall silhouette reflects balance, modernity, and quiet strength. Morino’s work often explores the dialogue between negative space and mass, as well as Eastern and Western sculptural aesthetics.

The piece is signed by the artist and accompanied by its original wooden box (tomobako), certificate insert, and artist documentation.

Dimensions

24.5cm(h) x 19.5cm(w) x 6.7cm(d)

Footnote

Morino Akito (森野彰人, b. 1969) is an esteemed contemporary Japanese ceramic artist and professor of ceramics and crafts at Kyoto City University of Arts. After earning his BA in ceramic art from Osaka University of Arts (1993), he completed his master’s degree at Kyoto City University of Arts in 1995, followed by hands-on training at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. He has taught at Kyoto Seika University and Kyoto University of Art and Design.

Awarded numerous honors—including a Silver Medal at the International Ceramics Exhibition, Mino ’98 (1998), the Kyoto Art Rookie of the Year title (2006), and the Takashimaya Art Direction Award (2012)—Morino has exhibited widely across Japan and internationally. His works are held in public collections, such as the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu.