Yamato Yasuo (大和保男), Japanese (b. 1933)

A Hagi Ensai Flattened Vase (萩炎彩扁壷)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

A large sculptural Hagi ware flattened vase by Yamato Yasuo, entitled Hagi Ensai Henko (萩炎彩扁壷). Monumental in scale and strongly architectural in conception, the vessel departs from conventional rounded Hagi forms in favour of a broad, compressed body with sharply defined planes and a small opening set into the upper surface.

The vase is particularly distinguished by its dramatic firing effects. The upper section develops a vivid reddish orange colour suggestive of intense flame, gradually giving way to softer ochre, beige and ash toned surfaces across the lower body. These contrasting areas give visual expression to the title Ensai (炎彩), literally suggesting the “colours of flame”. Rather than applied pictorial decoration, colour and texture are created through the interaction of clay, fire and kiln atmosphere.

One broad face is decorated with repeated incised, wave like lines, introducing a rhythmic graphic element to the otherwise massive form. The rough, tactile surface, irregular edges and deliberate traces of forming reinforce the sculptural character of the vessel, while its narrow opening allows it to function as a flower vase.

The base bears the artist's impressed mark. The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako together with the artist's stamped cloth and related documentation.

Dimensions

32.5cm(h) x 32.5cm(w) x 10.2cm(d)

Footnote

Yamato Yasuo (born 1933) is an important Japanese ceramic artist and master of Hagi ware from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Introduced to pottery at a young age while assisting at the family kiln during the wartime shortage of craftsmen, he later trained formally under his father and developed a highly individual ceramic practice. Renowned for his innovative “ensai” works distinguished by vivid flame-like coloration and sculptural forms, Yamato has played a significant role in the evolution of contemporary Hagi ware. In 1988 he was designated a Holder of Intangible Cultural Property for Hagi ware by Yamaguchi Prefecture. His career includes numerous exhibitions and awards, among them the Japan Kōgei Association Prize and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2007. Internationally active, he also presented the “400 Years of Hagi Ware” exhibition in Paris in 2000, helping introduce modern Hagi ceramics to a wider global audience.