Ken Matsuzaki (松崎健), Japanese (b. 1950)

A Mashiko Ware Flattened Bottle with Heron Design (益子焼 呉須釉鷺文扁壷)

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

About the work

A striking Mashiko ware flattened bottle by Ken Matsuzaki, a noted potter known for his expressive use of traditional Mashiko glazes and motifs. This work exemplifies Matsuzaki’s ability to integrate classical Japanese themes with bold, modern ceramic expression.

The bottle features a flattened circular body rising from a narrow oval foot to a short neck and flared rim. The surface is covered in a flowing cobalt blue glaze, streaked with deep earthen tones, framing a central white medallion decorated with a stylized heron in swift brushstrokes. The design captures both movement and serenity, a theme resonant with Japanese nature-inspired aesthetics.

The work is accompanied by its original signed tomobako (wooden storage box) inscribed with the artist’s name and title, along with the artist’s biography sheet.

Dimensions

22cm(h) x 18cm(w) x 8cm(d)
Weight: approx. 1kg

Footnote

Ken Matsuzaki, born in 1950 in Tokyo, is a renowned ceramic artist trained at Tamagawa University's School of Fine Arts. After apprenticing under Tatsuzo Shimaoka in Mashiko, he established his kiln, Yuushin Gama. Known for blending traditional Shino, Oribe, and yohen glazes with modern aesthetics, his works are celebrated worldwide and included in prestigious collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.