Kenji Takenaka (竹中健次), Japanese (b. 1957)

A Bizen Ware Tokkuri 

Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

This Bizen tokkuri displays the understated refinement characteristic of Kenji Takenaka, a contemporary Bizen potter known for his disciplined firing control and sensitivity to clay expression. The vessel rises in a soft, rounded silhouette that tapers into a narrow, elegant mouth. Natural kiln effects animate the surface: warm reddish hidasuki markings flow vertically across the body, contrasted against the matte gray stoneware ground. Subtle textural variations created by wood firing contribute to the quiet depth and presence of the piece. 

The tokkuri is accompanied by its original signed wooden box, cloth, and documentation.

Dimensions

13.2cm(h) x 9.6cm(w)

Footnote

Kenji Takenaka, born in Okayama City in 1957, is a celebrated Bizen ceramic artist. After graduating from the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Research Institute’s Bizen Ceramic Center in 1986, he apprenticed under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. Takenaka built his anagama kiln in 1993, marking the start of his independent journey. His works have been exhibited internationally, including in Paris, he has received honors at the Tanabe Museum and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.