Takauchi Shugo (高内秀剛), Japanese, b. 1937

An Oribe Guinomi (織部ぐい呑)

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

About the work

This Oribe guinomi by Takauchi Shugo presents a striking interplay of colour, texture and form, capturing the bold individuality that defines his Mashiko-based practice. The cup is shaped with a subtle taper, its hand-formed surface intentionally irregular, allowing the glazes to move freely. Swathes of deep green Oribe glaze descend from the rim, merging with passages of rusty red, ochre and charcoal blue that wrap the body in a dynamic, painterly rhythm. The glaze breaks over textured clay, creating areas of gloss, matte and natural pitting. Inside, the same fluid layering of colour continues, producing a unified yet unpredictable visual field. The foot is coarse and richly fired, retaining the raw character of Mashiko clay and the natural traces of the kiln. 

Signed and housed in its original tomobako and cloth, the piece stands as both a functional sake vessel and a vivid example of contemporary Oribe expression.

Dimensions

7cm(h) x 5.2cm(w) x 5.5cm(d)

Footnote

Born in Tokyo in 1937, Takauchi Shugo settled in Mashiko, where he founded Hyakudogama and pursued an independent, self-directed path in ceramics. Without formal training or a designated master, he absorbed influences from the people and traditions around him, gradually moving from Mashiko folkware toward Oribe, Shino, Ki-Seto and Setoguro. His work is known for its bold, forceful forms and vigorous glazing, culminating in the distinctive style often called Takauchi Oribe. Ranging from large sculptural vessels to everyday tableware, his creations embody an unrestrained, energetic approach that reflects a lifetime of exploration and a refusal to be confined by regional boundaries.