Masafumi Yamaguchi (山口正文), Japanese (1941-2018)

A Kiseto Guinomi Sake Cup (黄瀬戸ぐい呑)

Showa Era (1926-1989) 

About the work

This Kiseto guinomi by Masafumi Yamaguchi of Nishiyama Kiln (西山窯) features a softly rounded form with a warm yellow glaze characteristic of Seto ware. The surface displays natural variations in tone together with iron accents and a small incised floral motif that wraps gently around the vessel. Subtle firing marks along the foot and body add depth and texture, highlighting the handmade character of the piece.

The interior retains a smooth, glossy glaze, while the base reveals the clay body and firing effects. The cup is accompanied by its original signed wooden box, cloth, and kiln documentation.

Dimensions

5.2cm(h) x 5.8cm(w)

Footnote

Masafumi Yamaguchi (1941 - 2018) was a Japanese ceramic artist from Seto and the fifth-generation head of Nishiyama Kiln in Nishikamamachi, Seto City. He received the Mayor’s Award for Japanese painting at the Seto City Exhibition and later exhibited widely as a ceramic artist. His works were accepted into major exhibitions including the Seto City Exhibition, the Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, and the Kōfūkai Exhibition. The Nishiyama Kiln lineage continues today under the sixth-generation successor, Makoto Yamaguchi.