Kiyoko Koyama (神山清子), Japanese, (1936-2023)

A Shigaraki Hanaire (信楽花生)

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

About the work

A striking Shigaraki flower vase by celebrated ceramic artist Kiyoko Koyama, whose pioneering career helped redefine contemporary Shigaraki ware. Robustly hand-built in an elongated hexagonal form, the vase combines sculptural presence with the earthy beauty that has become synonymous with one of Japan's oldest ceramic traditions.

The vessel is formed with six gently faceted sides, creating strong vertical lines that accentuate its elegant proportions. Its surface displays the warm orange and buff tones of Shigaraki clay, enriched by natural ash deposits, subtle feldspathic melts, and scattered fire markings developed during an intense wood firing. A pronounced raised seam running vertically along one face introduces a bold architectural element, while the irregular hexagonal mouth and softly textured surface celebrate the spontaneity and individuality of hand-built ceramics.

The vase bears the artist's impressed seal and is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

21.5cm(h) x 11cm(w)

Footnote

Kiyoko Koyama (1936-2023) was born in Sasebo, Nagasaki, and later moved to Shigaraki after World War II. Initially working in ceramic decoration, she shifted to pottery at 30, pursuing the dream of recreating Shigaraki natural ash glazes using an anagama kiln. Over years of dedication and struggle, including building her own kiln, she perfected her craft, earning nationwide acclaim. Koyama held numerous solo exhibitions and became a celebrated figure in Japanese pottery.