Ken Matsuzaki (松崎健), Japanese (b. 1950)

A Shino Yunomi (志野湯呑)

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

About the work

A robust and expressive Shino yunomi by Ken Matsuzaki, one of the most respected
contemporary potters working in the Mingei tradition. The cylindrical form is covered
in a thick feldspathic Shino glaze that has matured beautifully in the kiln, producing a
rich interplay of creamy white surfaces and warm iron-red patterns. Bold flame-
marked areas and softly flowing glaze effects create a dynamic composition that
appears almost painterly across the vessel.

The surface displays the characteristic textures prized in Shino ware, including subtle
pinholing, orange blushes, and areas of carbon trapping that reveal the dramatic
interaction between clay, glaze, and fire. The contrast between the luminous white
glaze and the warm earthen body beneath creates a sense of depth and vitality, while
the carefully proportioned form sits comfortably in the hand, making it equally suitable
for tea or everyday use.
The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

10cm(h) x 8.3cm(w)

Footnote

Ken Matsuzaki, born in 1950 in Tokyo, is a renowned ceramic artist trained at Tamagawa University's School of Fine Arts. After apprenticing under Tatsuzo Shimaoka in Mashiko, he established his kiln, Yuushin Gama. Known for blending traditional Shino, Oribe, and yohen glazes with modern aesthetics, his works are celebrated worldwide and included in prestigious collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.