Masafumi Yamaguchi (山口正文), Japanese (1941–2018)

A Decorated Ceramic Bowl with Linear Motifs (文様碗)

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

About the work

A characterful ceramic bowl by Masafumi Yamaguchi of Nishiyama Kiln, combining glossy dark glaze with a broad cream-coloured decorative band. Fine vertical marks and an angular border give the exterior a more structured appearance than its companion bowl.

The body has gently rounded sides and an open, slightly irregular rim. It narrows towards a small circular foot, allowing the dark lower section to provide a visual foundation. The interior shows pale glaze interrupted by darker flowing passages, preserving the expressive character of the exterior.

The principal decoration consists of closely spaced upright strokes across the light ground, above a band of triangular and crossing lines. Their slight variations in height and spacing give the pattern an individual rhythm. Above and below, dark glossy areas frame the drawing and strengthen its contrast.

The combination of compact form and graphic decoration makes the bowl appealing for close appreciation in the hand. The original listing pairs it with a companion bowl decorated with scroll motifs. Each bowl is pictured with a wooden box; a family biography leaflet accompanies the set.

Dimensions

8.5cm(h) x 9.5cm(w) x 9.3cm(d)

Footnote

Masafumi Yamaguchi (1941 - 2018) was a Japanese ceramic artist from Seto and the fifth-generation head of Nishiyama Kiln in Nishikamamachi, Seto City. He received the Mayor’s Award for Japanese painting at the Seto City Exhibition and later exhibited widely as a ceramic artist. His works were accepted into major exhibitions including the Seto City Exhibition, the Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, and the Kōfūkai Exhibition. The Nishiyama Kiln lineage continues today under the sixth-generation successor, Makoto Yamaguchi.