Fumio Kawabata (川端文男), Japanese, b.1948

A Bizen Tokkuri (備前 自然練込 徳利)

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

About the work

A distinctive Bizen sake flask by Fumio Kawabata, combining an asymmetrical, gently swelling form with the artist’s characteristic exploration of naturally layered clay. The compact body rises to a short, flared neck, while the subtly off centre profile gives the vessel a sculptural sense of movement.

The unglazed surface reveals a rich interplay of reddish brown, ochre and earthy orange created through firing, contrasted by a broad pale area sweeping diagonally across the body. This layered effect derives from the natural neriage technique, in which differently coloured clays are combined so that their contrasting strata become integral to the vessel itself. Rather than applied decoration, the pattern emerges from the structure of the clay and is further transformed by the kiln.

The result is a particularly expressive interpretation of Bizen ware, balancing the ancient tradition’s emphasis on unglazed clay and natural firing effects with Kawabata’s highly individual approach to material and form.

Accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Weight: 464g

Dimensions

14.3cm(h) x 9.3cm(w)

Weight: 464g

Footnote

Fumio Kawabata, a Yokohama native, uniquely contributes to Bizen pottery by incorporating his own distinct style. Awarded the Grand Prize at the Modern Tea Forms Exhibition at the Tanabe Museum of Art, he has also been honored with several prestigious recognitions, including the Japanese Traditional Craft Art Exhibition, Chunichi International Exhibition of Ceramic Arts, and Chanoyu Zokei (Modern Tea Forms) Exhibition. His works are known for their distinctive creativity and fresh interpretations of Bizen aesthetics.