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

A Jukō Yōhen Oni-Shino Vase “Shōryū” (珠光窯変鬼志野壷「昇龍」)

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

About the work

A sculptural Jukō Yōhen Oni-Shino vase from Murata Jukō (Tetsuo)’s ceramic practice, bearing the name “Shōryū” (昇龍), meaning “Ascending Dragon”. Its rounded body and elongated neck are enlivened by an intricate interplay of pale glaze, dark brown patches and warm reddish tones.

The vase has a swelling lower body that narrows through the shoulder into a tall, slightly irregular neck. The mouth is gently uneven, and subtle changes in the outline give the vessel an organic character. Its dark neck provides a strong visual contrast with the lighter glaze covering much of the body.

Across the exterior, creamy white and grey passages mingle with glossy brown, charcoal and ochre. Irregular bands of pale glaze wrap around the vessel, while darker areas emerge between them in angular and flowing shapes. Variations in thickness create raised edges, small pools and richly textured transitions.

The glaze’s upward movement and changing rhythms offer an evocative accompaniment to the work’s name, without relying on a literal dragon motif. The vase has sufficient presence for independent display and would also complement a simple arrangement of branches or flowers. Accompanied by its original wooden box.

Dimensions

16.2cm(h) x 10.5cm(w) x 10.7cm(d)

Weight: 571g

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.