Kenji Takenaka (竹中健次), Japanese (b. 1957)

A Red-Glazed Black Bizen Yunomi (紅釉黒備前湯呑)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

A powerful and expressive yunomi by Kenji Takenaka, combining the rugged character of Bizen ware with a striking application of vivid red glaze. The faceted form is solid and tactile, with subtly angled planes that enhance the vessel’s sculptural presence.

The surface is dominated by a deep, charcoal-black Bizen clay body, richly textured with natural firing marks. Across the upper portion, a bold red glaze flows organically over the rim and down the sides, creating dramatic contrast and a sense of movement. The interplay between the raw, unglazed clay and the molten red glaze exemplifies the dynamic tension central to contemporary Bizen-inspired works.

The base bears the artist’s impressed mark, and the piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako), affirming authenticity.

Dimensions

10.3cm(h) x 6.5cm(w) x 7cm(d)

Footnote

Kenji Takenaka, born in Okayama City in 1957, is a celebrated Bizen ceramic artist. After graduating from the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Research Institute’s Bizen Ceramic Center in 1986, he apprenticed under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. Takenaka built his anagama kiln in 1993, marking the start of his independent journey. His works have been exhibited internationally, including in Paris, he has received honors at the Tanabe Museum and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.