Muneaki Kanzaki (神崎宗昭) Japanese, b. 1949

A Shigaraki Jar with Ash Glaze and Impressed Patterns (信楽火色印紋壷)

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

About the work

A commanding Shigaraki storage jar by Muneaki Kanzaki, showcasing the robust beauty of high-fired natural ash glazes and textured clay surfaces. This work is a striking example of Kanzaki’s interpretation of traditional Shigaraki ware—rooted in natural form, material honesty, and kiln alchemy.

The jar features a full, rounded ovoid body with a short, sharply defined neck and flared rim. Its surface is richly layered with feldspar inclusions and crackled white ash deposits, scattered across a warm reddish clay body. Crosshatched impressed markings encircle the form, giving it a primitive, almost archaeological texture. The firing has left subtle flashes and variations in color—ranging from soft ivory to burnt sienna—highlighting the pot’s natural irregularities.

Stamped on the base with Kanzaki’s seal and housed in its original signed tomobako (wooden box), this piece functions as both a powerful sculptural form and a functional ceramic rooted in the Japanese tradition.

Dimensions

27cm(h) x 24cm(w)

Footnote

Muneaki Kanzaki is a respected Japanese potter specializing in Shigaraki ware. Recognized as a Traditional Craftsperson and a full member of the Japan Kogei Association , Kanzaki’s work is rooted in classical technique and regional identity. His pieces—ranging from tea bowls to vases—are celebrated for their natural ash glazes and the signature “fire color” (hi-iro) that emerges from the Shigaraki kiln firing process.