Wakao Toshisada (若尾利貞), Japanese, b.1933

A Nezumi Shino Long Rectangular Dish (鼠志野長皿)

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

About the work

A striking Nezumi Shino long dish by Wakao Toshisada, one of the leading modern potters associated with the revival and development of Mino ceramics. The elongated rectangular form is deliberately irregular, with gently undulating edges and a low profile that gives the substantial vessel a sense of movement.

The surface is covered in a softly mottled grey Nezumi Shino glaze, densely textured with fine pinholes and areas where the warm reddish clay emerges through the glaze. One end is dramatically articulated with bands of contrasting decoration in dark brown, white, yellow and earthy tones, creating an abstract composition that provides a bold counterpoint to the restrained grey field. A simple stylised motif appears within the main surface, subtly emerging beneath the glaze.

The underside continues the richly textured finish and is supported on three small feet. Combining the earthy character of traditional Mino ware with an expressive modern composition, the dish demonstrates Wakao’s distinctive approach to Shino, balancing irregularity, colour and tactile surface.

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

Dimensions

4cm(h) x 29.8cm(w) x 14cm(d)

Footnote

Wakao Toshisada (born 1933) is a leading ceramic artist from Tajimi, Gifu, a historic center of Mino ware. Largely self-taught, he began studying ceramics in 1949 and gained recognition through exhibitions in the 1960s. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1970 and received numerous awards, including the Mino New Artist Award and the Kato Kohei Prize. His works are held in major institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Designated an Intangible Cultural Property holder in both Tajimi and Gifu, he is celebrated for his expressive reinterpretation of Momoyama Shino.