Aoki Kunihiro (青木九仁博) Japanese, b. 1949

A Hand Built Chawan (手捻り 茶碗)

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

About the work

This hand built tea bowl by Aoki Kunihiro exemplifies a quiet yet deliberate approach to contemporary Japanese ceramic practice. The form is gently rounded and compact, shaped by hand rather than wheel, resulting in subtle undulations along the rim and body that lend the vessel a natural, unforced presence. The proportions are well balanced, sitting comfortably in the hands and inviting intimate use within the context of the tea ceremony.

The surface is covered in a softly modulated glaze transitioning from pale milky white to muted green tones, pooling unevenly over the textured clay body. Fine crackle patterns run through the glaze, while areas of translucency reveal the warmth of the underlying clay. The foot and base are left unglazed, exposing a pinkish clay body that bears clear evidence of hand forming and firing, grounding the piece visually and materially.

It is accompanied by its original wooden storage box bearing the artist’s inscription, confirming authorship and careful preservation.

Dimensions

8.2cm(h) x 12cm(w)

Footnote

Aoki Kunihiro, born in 1949 in Gifu Prefecture, is a respected ceramic artist within contemporary Japanese crafts. He has served as Vice Director and Head of the Crafts Division of the Nihon Gafu Association and has an extensive record of awards at the Nifu Exhibition, beginning with his first selection in 1978 and including major honors such as the Nifu Prize and Memorial Prize. His work blends traditional techniques from Oribe, Shino, and Seto ware with a modern sensibility. Known for tea ceramics and nature inspired forms, Aoki emphasizes both artistic expression and functional beauty, continuing to receive wide recognition through exhibitions and collections.