Shibata Ichizaemon (柴田一佐衛門), Japanese (b. 1953)

A Setoguro Tea Bowl (瀬戸黒茶碗)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

This powerful Setoguro tea bowl by Shibata Ichizaemon embodies the bold aesthetic traditions of Mino ware while reflecting the artist's distinctive contemporary sensibility. The bowl features a deep lustrous black glaze characteristic of Setoguro ceramics, punctuated by a striking silver-grey firing effect that emerges organically across the surface. The robust form, subtly faceted profile, and richly textured glaze create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

The vessel's hand-built character is evident in its slightly irregular rim and gently swelling walls, qualities highly prized in Japanese tea ceramics for their expression of individuality and natural beauty. The dramatic contrast between the glossy black glaze and the silvery firing mark evokes the spontaneity and unpredictability of the kiln, central values within the Japanese tea ceremony tradition.

Accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and artist documentation.

Dimensions

8.8cm(h) x 12cm(w) x 11.6cm(d)

Footnote

Shibata Ichizaemon (柴田一佐衛門, born 1953), whose given name is Shibata Yukihiro (柴田幸宏), is a Japanese ceramic artist from Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, and grandson of the distinguished potter Kato Kohei V (五代加藤幸兵衛). After graduating from Musashino Art University in 1976, he received the Gold Prize at the Japan Ceramic Design Competition the following year. During the 1980s, he worked in New York creating art jewellery featured by leading fashion houses and magazines. Returning to Japan in 1990, he devoted himself to ceramics, studying under Living National Treasure Kato Takuo (加藤卓男) and later Suzuki Osamu (鈴木藏). His work reflects a unique fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics, informed by Zen practice, tea culture, and decades of artistic exploration.