Kakurezaki Ryuichi (隠崎隆一) Japanese, b. 1950

A Bizen Yunomi (備前湯呑)

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

About the work

This Bizen yunomi by Kakurezaki Ryuichi exhibits the sculptural tension and contemporary sensibility for which the artist is widely recognized. The form stands upright yet subtly asymmetrical, its profile marked by deliberate cuts, facets, and rhythmic shifts in volume that give the vessel a dynamic presence. The surface reveals the full range of Bizen clay expression: warm reddish tones, ember-like flashing, charcoal-darkened areas, and natural ash accretions created in the wood-firing process. These effects build a layered, tactile landscape across the cup, reinforcing the interplay between intention and kiln-born unpredictability central to Kakurezaki’s style.

The interior is cleanly burnished by fire, creating a smooth drinking surface. The yunomi is accompanied by its original signed tomobako.

Dimensions

9.3cm(h) x 7.6cm(w)

Footnote

 Kakurezaki Ryuichi is a prominent figure in modern Bizen pottery, celebrated for his avant-garde interpretation of traditional techniques. His pieces have been recognized and exhibited internationally, embodying both the legacy and innovation of Japanese ceramic art.