Hayashi Shotaro (林正太郎), Japanese (b. 1947)

An Aka-Shino Yunomi

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

About the work

This bold Aka-Shino yunomi exemplifies the expressive clay modeling and dramatic glaze movement associated with Shotaro Hayashi. The vessel is built with an intentionally irregular, sculptural form, its surface alive with deep red Shino tones overlaid by thick, flowing white feldspathic glaze. The interplay of pinholing, crawling, and rich color modulation highlights Hayashi’s mastery of Shino’s demanding firing process. The interior is fully glazed in a warm, iron-rich red, creating a unified sense of depth and warmth.

Accompanied by its signed wooden box and cloth, this yunomi represents Hayashi’s highly individual approach to contemporary Shino, blending traditional Mino aesthetics with a dynamic, modern sensibility.

Dimensions

11cm(h) x 10.5cm(w)

Footnote

Hayashi Shotaro, born in 1947 in Toki City—a region renowned for its Mino ceramics—initially pursued a career as a salaryman in Nagoya before returning to his roots to study pottery under his brother. His innate talent soon flourished, earning him accolades such as the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968 and the Governor’s Award at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition in 1971.

An official Beholder of Intangible Cultural Property of the Mino Prefecture, Hayashi has had his works included in numerous museum collections both in Japan and internationally. His robust forms and masterful use of traditional Shino techniques have cemented his status as one of the foremost figures in modern Japanese ceramics, while his contemporary innovations, such as the Manyosai glaze, continue to inspire new generations of ceramic artists.