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

An Ash-Covered Guinomi from the First Kiln Firing (初窯 灰被ぐい呑)

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

About the work

A characterful ash-covered guinomi by Ken Matsuzaki, one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary ceramic artists. Created at the Hatsugama, or the first kiln firing of the New Year, this sake cup embodies both the expressive beauty of traditional wood-fired pottery and the auspicious spirit associated with new beginnings in Japanese ceramic culture.

The guinomi is robustly potted with gently irregular walls rising from a compact, well-defined foot. Its warm stoneware body has been transformed through prolonged wood firing, producing a richly textured surface of deep brown, charcoal, and rust-red tones. Natural wood ash has settled and fused across the clay, creating areas of olive green, dark metallic hues, and vitrified ash characteristic of hai-kaburi (ash-covered) ceramics.

Subtle variations created by the flame are evident throughout the vessel, with flowing ash deposits, scorched clay, and natural firing marks giving the surface exceptional depth and vitality. The interior retains a dark, earthy finish that beautifully complements the rugged exterior while enhancing the tactile pleasure of using the vessel for sake.

The base bears the artist's impressed mark, and the guinomi is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

5cm(h) x 6.5cm(w) x 6.6cm(d)

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.