Murata Jukō (Tetsuo) (村田珠光(哲夫)), Japanese, b. 1922

A Jukō Yōhen Shino Sake Cup (珠光窯変志野ぐい呑)

Shōwa Era (1926–1989) or Heisei Era (1989–2019)

About the work

A richly textured Jukō Yōhen Shino sake cup (guinomi) by Murata Jukō (Tetsuo), combining a broad, gently irregular form with flowing glaze in pink, cream, grey and earthy brown tones. Jukō Yōhen (珠光窯変) refers to Murata’s distinctive glaze effects developed through firing, with “yōhen” describing changes in colour and texture produced within the kiln.

The cup has a low, substantial body with softly undulating sides and a slightly uneven rim. Its profile broadens towards the lower section before narrowing to a pronounced circular foot. The exposed reddish-brown clay beneath the glazed body provides a warm foundation, while shallow depressions and rounded projections give the vessel a tactile, handmade character.

Cloudy cream and grey passages mingle with soft pink around the lower body. Ochre and olive-brown glaze descends from the rim in irregular trails, interspersed with dark brown and rusty orange patches. Small pits and variations in glaze thickness create contrasts between glossy and granular areas. Accompanied by an inscribed wooden box, a yellow-orange wrapping cloth bearing the artist’s signature and seal, and an artist leaflet.

Dimensions

4.5cm(h) x 6.8cm(w)

Footnote

Murata Jukō, also known as Murata Tetsuo (村田哲夫), was born in 1922. He trained under his father and received guidance from prominent ceramic artists including Katō Kōbei, Katō Tōkurō and Katō Hajime. His education also included visits to historic kiln sites throughout Japan, broadening his understanding of traditional pottery. He established the Shukō Tōsha pottery in Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture, and devoted his practice to exploring kiln-induced effects in Shino glazes. His distinctive ceramics, sometimes described as Jukō-Shino, reflect a sustained interest in the colours, textures and surface variations achieved through firing. Alongside his studio work, he led the Shukō ceramics association and served as a judge for the Aichi Prefectural Cultural Exhibition.