Hayashi Shotaro (林正太郎), Japanese (b. 1947)

A Pair of Shino Yunomi (志野組湯呑)

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

About the work

This exquisite pair of Shino yunomi (tea cups) by the celebrated Shotaro Hayashi demonstrates his mastery of traditional Mino glazes. The cups feature the hallmark Shino glaze with soft, earthy tones and delicate iron brushwork that creates a beautifully organic aesthetic. Subtle orange hues and textured surfaces give the cups a warm and inviting character, perfect for elevating your tea experience or adding timeless beauty to your collection.

The cups are accompanied by a signed tomobako (wooden storage box) and informational leaflet, guaranteeing authenticity and the artist’s exceptional craftsmanship.

Dimensions

9.5cm(h) x 7cm(w), each cup

Footnote

Hayashi Shotaro, born in 1947 in Toki City—a region renowned for its Mino ceramics—initially pursued a career as a salaryman in Nagoya before returning to his roots to study pottery under his brother. His innate talent soon flourished, earning him accolades such as the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968 and the Governor’s Award at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition in 1971.

An official Beholder of Intangible Cultural Property of the Mino Prefecture, Hayashi has had his works included in numerous museum collections both in Japan and internationally. His robust forms and masterful use of traditional Shino techniques have cemented his status as one of the foremost figures in modern Japanese ceramics, while his contemporary innovations, such as the Manyosai glaze, continue to inspire new generations of ceramic artists.