Ryoji Hayashi (林亮次), Japanese, b.1940

A Beni Shino Flower Vase (紅志野花入) 

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

About the work

A slender cylindrical Beni Shino flower vase by Ryoji Hayashi, distinguished by its delicate pinkish red surface and richly crackled Shino glaze. The elongated form is simple and restrained, allowing the complex glaze effects to become the principal focus of the work.

The exterior is covered in a soft blush pink to pale reddish glaze, densely articulated by a fine network of crackling. Running vertically down one side is an irregular passage of contrasting grey blue and milky white glaze, creating a striking organic accent against the warmer ground. Small raised areas of white glaze further interrupt the surface, adding depth and texture to the otherwise austere cylindrical form.

The mouth is gently irregular, retaining the character of hand forming, while the dark interior provides a strong tonal contrast with the pale exterior. The combination of restrained form, subtle colour and pronounced glaze texture reflects a contemporary interpretation of the expressive possibilities of Shino ware.

The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako, together with documentation.

Dimensions

20.8cm(h) x 6.5cm(w) x 7.2cm(d)

Footnote

Ryoji Hayashi (b. 1940, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture) is a third-generation potter of the Shozan kiln, specializing in Shino ware tea ceramics. Since 1961, he has exhibited in the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and the Tokai Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. He has held numerous solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is recognized for his refined interpretations of Shino tradition.