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

A Hai Kaburi Yōhen Shino Yunomi First Firing (灰被 燿変志野 湯呑)

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

About the work

A powerful Shino yunomi by Ken Matsuzaki, combining the tactile qualities of Shino glaze with the dramatic effects of prolonged wood firing. The tall, substantial form is deliberately irregular, giving the vessel a strong sculptural presence while retaining the intimate character of a drinking vessel.

The surface is particularly expressive. Thick creamy white Shino glaze flows across the body in broad passages, interrupted by rich russet, amber and dark brown areas created through intense firing. Across the upper section, accumulated fly ash has melted into the surface, producing mottled and granular passages of olive brown and charcoal. These natural kiln effects give the vessel its hai kaburi, or "ash covered", character and ensure that every aspect of the surface records the conditions of the firing.

Matsuzaki describes the work as yōhen Shino, referring to the transformation of colour and surface produced within the kiln. Rather than relying upon a uniform glaze effect, the yunomi presents an intricate landscape of creamy Shino, scorched clay, vitrified ash and iron rich tones. The underside is equally expressive, with thick glaze pooling around areas of exposed clay and the artist's impressed mark.

The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and documentation.

Dimensions

10.6cm(h) x 8.5cm(w)

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.