Satake Yoshiyuki (佐竹良幸), Japanese (b. 1950)

A Yunomi with Glass Bead Style Drip Decoration

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

This expressive yunomi by Satake Yoshiyuki features a richly textured surface accented with a striking jewel-like glaze droplet reminiscent of a traditional tonbo-dama (glass bead). The naturally flowing feldspathic glaze reveals layered tones of soft white, olive green, warm earth, and iron-rich firing marks, creating a deeply organic and tactile appearance.

The cup’s gently irregular cylindrical form sits comfortably in the hand, while the prominent rounded glaze bead functions as both a visual focal point and a subtle grip enhancement, designed to fit naturally against the fingers during use. The interior displays a warm reddish-brown firing tone, contrasting beautifully with the pale exterior glaze.

The spontaneous surface textures, crawling glaze effects, and visible kiln markings reflect the aesthetics of modern Japanese wood-fired ceramics, where chance and natural firing interactions form an integral part of the finished work. The balance between rusticity and refined craftsmanship gives the piece a strong wabi-sabi character.

The yunomi is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and is sold with a certificate of authenticity.

Dimensions

7.6cm(h) x 8.2cm(w) x 7.5cm(d)

Footnote

Satake Yoshiyuki (佐竹良幸, b. 1950) is a Japanese ceramic artist born in Tochigi Prefecture. In 1982, he entered the world of ceramics in the Koisago area of Tochigi and studied under Kubota Naofumi (窪田直文) from 1983. After establishing his own kiln in Nasu in 1985, he developed a distinctive style characterised by richly textured surfaces, natural ash effects, and sculptural glaze applications. Satake has held solo exhibitions at prominent galleries and department stores including Kuroda Toen in Shibuya, Yokohama Sogo, Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku, and Takasaki Suzuran, earning recognition for works that blend rustic tea ceramic traditions with highly individual contemporary expression.