Furutani Michio (古谷道生), Japanese, 1946–2000

A Shigaraki Ware Flat Sake Flask (信楽焼 扁壺)

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

About the work

A distinctive Shigaraki ware flat sake flask by the celebrated potter Furutani Michio, one of the most influential figures in modern Shigaraki ceramics. The vessel is formed in an elegant flattened shape resting on three small feet, combining sculptural presence with functional refinement. Its compact form recalls traditional Japanese sake vessels while expressing the bold, contemporary aesthetic for which Furutani is renowned.

The surface displays the natural beauty of Shigaraki clay, richly enhanced by the effects of wood firing. Warm tones of soft orange, beige, and pale cream blend across the body, while scattered feldspar inclusions and natural ash deposits create a lively, textured surface. The gently irregular contours and subtle firing marks embody the spirit of wabi-sabi, celebrating the beauty of natural processes and imperfection.

Equally striking as a functional sake vessel or as a decorative object, this work demonstrates Furutani's exceptional ability to balance robust form with quiet elegance. The vessel is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

25cm(h) x 27cm(w) x 6.8cm(d)

Footnote

Furutani Michio was a master of Shigaraki ware and a leading figure in the revival of the traditional anagama kiln. Born in Shigaraki, he dedicated his life to wood-fired ceramics, building over thirty kilns and pioneering techniques that created rich natural ash glazes (shizen-yū) and glassy biidoro effects. Celebrated for his raw, elemental forms, Furutani received major honors including the Japan Ceramic Society Prize. His legacy lives on through his writings, his influence on contemporary wood-firing, and the ongoing work of his son, Furutani Kazuya.