Murata Jukō (Tetsuo) (村田珠光(哲夫)), Japanese, b. 1922

A Jukō Yōhen Shino Yunomi (珠光窯変志野湯呑)

Shōwa Era (1926–1989) or Heisei Era (1989–2019)

About the work

A characterful example of Murata Jukō (Tetsuo)’s Jukō Yōhen Shino tea cups, featuring a gently irregular cylindrical body and flowing glaze in pale blue-green, white, olive and reddish-brown tones. Its surface is distinguished by prominent vertical runs that emphasise the height of the vessel.

The cup has an uneven rim and subtly changing contours, with shallow depressions and rounded projections interrupting its outline. These variations give the body a tactile presence, while a narrow band of reddish clay at the base provides a clear visual foundation.

Pale blue-green and milky white glaze covers much of the exterior, interspersed with soft pink and darker brown patches. Olive and ochre passages gather beneath the rim and descend in irregular trails. Raised white glaze runs cross the darker areas, creating contrasts in both colour and texture.

The resulting surface has a lively, almost landscape-like quality, with each turn revealing a different arrangement of flowing colour. Its compact proportions and softly varied contours make it an appealing example of Murata’s expressive approach to everyday tea vessels. Accompanied by its original wooden box.

Dimensions

8.3cm(h) x 7.6cm(w)

Weight: 209g

Footnote

Murata Jukō, also known as Murata Tetsuo (村田哲夫), was born in 1922. He trained under his father and received guidance from prominent ceramic artists including Katō Kōbei, Katō Tōkurō and Katō Hajime. His education also included visits to historic kiln sites throughout Japan, broadening his understanding of traditional pottery. He established the Shukō Tōsha pottery in Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture, and devoted his practice to exploring kiln-induced effects in Shino glazes. His distinctive ceramics, sometimes described as Jukō-Shino, reflect a sustained interest in the colours, textures and surface variations achieved through firing. Alongside his studio work, he led the Shukō ceramics association and served as a judge for the Aichi Prefectural Cultural Exhibition.