Miura Koheiji (三浦小平二), Japanese, 1933–2006

A Jun Ware Style Sake Flask (均窯徳利)

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

A finely potted sake flask by Miura Koheiji, one of the most celebrated Japanese
porcelain artists of the twentieth century and a Living National Treasure for celadon
porcelain. The elegant pear-shaped form with gently swelling shoulders and a flared
neck is covered in a luminous celadon-blue glaze accented by a soft violet-purple
splash flowing down the body, evoking the prized effects of classical Chinese Jun
ware (Junyao) ceramics.

The surface displays a subtle interplay of pale blue and lavender tones, achieved
through Koheiji’s masterful control of glaze chemistry and firing conditions. The
restrained decoration allows the beauty of the form and glaze to take centre stage,
while the rich iron-red clay foot provides a striking visual contrast to the cool, ethereal
colours above.

The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

12 cm(h) x 9.5 cm(w)

Footnote

Miura Koheiji (三浦小平二, 1933–2006) was born in Aikawa on Sado Island,
Niigata Prefecture, into a family of potters associated with the renowned Mumyoi
ware tradition. After graduating from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo University of
the Arts in 1955, he studied celadon techniques under Kato Hajime (1900–1968),
himself a Living National Treasure. Miura gained recognition through numerous
awards, including the Minister of Education Prize at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts
Exhibition in 1976 for his monumental celadon bowl. His works achieved international
acclaim through exhibitions in Paris and New York, and in 1985 one of his celadon
vases was presented by Crown Prince Naruhito to Queen Elizabeth II. A respected
educator, he served as Professor of Ceramics at Tokyo University of the Arts and
helped shape a new generation of ceramic artists. In 1997 he was designated a
Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder) for Celadon

Porcelain (Seiji), recognising his outstanding contribution to the development of
modern Japanese ceramics.