Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Japanese, 1920-1985

A White-Glazed Flower Vessel (白釉花器) 

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

A serene and refined white-glazed flower vessel by Kumakura Junkichi, one of the most innovative voices in post-war Japanese ceramics. This exceptional piece showcases the artist’s distinctive approach—melding minimalist design with sculptural sophistication. The soft white glaze subtly highlights the vessel’s flowing contours, creating a tranquil presence that reflects Kumakura’s deep appreciation for natural form and quiet expression. With its wide, gently curving body and low profile, the vessel embodies a graceful simplicity that invites contemplative use in a tea ceremony or modern interior.

This exceptional work comes housed in a tomobako (signed wooden box), ensuring its authenticity and collectible value.

Dimensions

10cm(h) × 8.5cm(w) x 8.5cm(d)

Footnote

Kumakura Junkichi (1920–1985) was a pioneering figure in Japanese sculptural ceramics. A graduate of the Kyoto Institute of Technology, he apprenticed under Tomimoto Kenkichi before becoming a core member of the avant-garde Sōdeisha group. His works, inspired by jazz improvisation and bold artistic expression, earned him numerous accolades, including the Japan Ceramic Society Prize and international recognition at the Brussels World Exposition (1958) and the International Ceramics Exhibition in Prague (1962).