{"title":"Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWorks by the ceramic artist Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸, 1955–2017) currently available at Antique Liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"264","title":"Award Recipient at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition and Selected Artist for the Suntory Museum of Art Grand Prize Exhibition, Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸), Yakishime Stamped Pattern Three-Footed Water Dropper, High-End Water\/Whisky Dropper #264","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThis piece is a yakishime water dropper featuring a stamped pattern and a three-footed design, crafted by Kitagawa Hiroyuki (1955–2017), a master craftsman who underwent four years of rigorous training as a live-in inner disciple under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%9C%A8%E6%9D%91%E7%9B%9B%E5%BA%B7%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKimura Moriyasu\u003c\/a\u003e, a world-renowned master of Tenmoku and iron glazes. Among traditional water droppers used to pour water into inkstones in Japanese calligraphy culture, this piece is extremely rare, featuring a unique three-footed design. We proudly propose it as a premium water dropper or whisky dropper to enhance contemporary luxury bar experiences. When savoring rare aged spirits that have transformed over time into a deep amber hue, exuding rich aromas and mellow richness, or enjoying a carefully selected whisky with ice, just a few drops of water added with this vessel will intensely unlock the true fragrance of the drink, making it an ultimate tool for connoisseurs. This vessel, which elevates traditional East Asian forms into practical art for modern lifestyles, offers a supremely luxurious experience for international collectors and discerning guests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eKitagawa Hiroyuki, the artist, was born in Kyoto Prefecture and inherited the artisanal spirit of his grandfather, a master bamboo craftsman. He was a talented ceramic artist of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki, fusing traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. While studying at Kyoto Zokei Geijutsu Gakuin (Kyoto Institute of Design), he apprenticed under Kimura Moriyasu in 1977, learning a strict aesthetic, and continued to train under him for four years. Concurrently, in 1978, he graduated from the molding department of Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training School, mastering highly precise potter's wheel forming techniques. After opening his own kiln, Tobo Yasaburo, in Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto Prefecture in 1987, he rose to prominence, starting with his selection for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition and the Shinsho Kogei-kai Exhibition in 1988, and again for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition in 1991. Furthermore, in 1992, he achieved the remarkable feat of being selected for the highly prestigious Suntory Museum of Art Grand Prize Exhibition '92: Challenging Forms, and was also successively selected for the Sapporo Art Park Craft Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, and the Kyoten. Afterward, he continued to achieve brilliant results in major public exhibitions at the forefront of contemporary crafts, receiving the Encouragement Award at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition in 1995 and the Shimpō Kogyo Award at the same exhibition in 1997. Due to his sudden passing at the young age of 62 in 2017, all existing works are his posthumous creations, making it absolutely impossible for new pieces to be produced in the future, thus possessing extremely high rarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe essence of Kitagawa's pottery lies in his highly skilled control of iron glazes and various slip glazes inherited from his mentor, and his meticulous yakishime technique, expressed with overwhelming precision as its foundation. Generally, yakishime is a simple technique where the clay itself is fired at high temperatures without any glaze. However, the greatest excellence of his work lies in meticulously covering the surface with fine granular patterns by precisely timing the firing just before the clay dries and repeatedly making countless accurate indentations. In addition to this painstaking manual work, the natural ash glaze created by wood ash falling naturally during kiln firing combines to produce a serene and modern landscape as intended, involving an extremely difficult firing process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eA detailed examination of the aesthetic beauty of this piece reveals that these advanced techniques and the artist's dedication are fully realized within this small spherical form. The minuscule stamped patterns, meticulously etched across the entire surface without any deviation, create delicate shadows when light hits them and convey a uniquely pleasant, adhering texture when held. Furthermore, the three feet placed at the bottom, a special and notable design in this work, carry a very high risk of causing cracks at the joint with the main body or wobbling after firing due to differences in shrinkage rates during drying and high-temperature firing. The forming technique that allows these to stand perfectly horizontally without any distortion is nothing less than proof of the high-precision craftsmanship he cultivated during his vocational school days. This three-footed style evokes an elegant dignity reminiscent of classical East Asian vessel aesthetics, and when placed on a bar counter, it slightly elevates the vessel, creating beautiful three-dimensional shadows and exuding a special presence. Additionally, the natural ash that fell during the intense flames of the climbing kiln perfectly integrates with the clay surface, partially creating subtle green and dark brown gradations from the natural glaze, thus capturing the dramatic moment where fire and earth become one within the vessel. The bottom of the vessel is engraved with the signature \"Hiro\" (宏), indicating it is an authentic work by the artist, and it comes with a dedicated tomobako (wooden box signed and sealed by the artist himself), a wrapping cloth, and a booklet showing his detailed pottery chronology, all intact. It is a complete piece in very good condition without any chips or cracks, possessing an unwavering asset value as a supreme Japanese craft piece that is extremely difficult to obtain overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸, 1955-2017)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"38\"\u003eArtist's Representative Activities:\u003c\/b\u003e [1977] Graduated from Kyoto Zokei Geijutsu Gakuin, selected for the Kyoto Craft Exhibition, [1978] Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training School, [1987] Opened the kiln \"Tobo Yasaburo\", [1988] Selected for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition and the Shinsho Kogei-kai Exhibition, [1991] Selected for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition, [1992] Selected for the Suntory Museum of Art Grand Prize Exhibition '92: Challenging Forms, selected for the Sapporo Art Park Craft Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, and the Kyoten, [1995] Received the Encouragement Award at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition, [1996] Selected for the Nissin Men-bachi Grand Prize Exhibition, [1997] Received the Shimpō Kogyo Award at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"852\"\u003eWorks in Collection:\u003c\/b\u003e Kyoto Ceramic Center (special exhibition - selected ceramic artists), etc. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"948\"\u003eProduction Year:\u003c\/b\u003e Circa 2010 (estimated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"988\"\u003eProduct Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"1039\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Dedicated tomobako (wooden box) included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"1093\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (Yakishime with natural ash glaze)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"1146\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 7.5 cm, Width approx. 7.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAlthough the products we offer may be new and unused, they are from a very old production period and are all listed as used items. Products may have damage due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and checking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47881782034619,"sku":null,"price":50000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_7323_result.jpg?v=1780464121"},{"product_id":"274","title":"Suntory Museum of Art Award Exhibition Finalist, Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸), Yakishime Stamped Pattern Bajouhai, Ceramic Tasting Cup #274","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eThis piece is a yakishime stamped pattern bajouhai (stem cup) that fully exhibits the exceptional sensibility and technique of Kitagawa Hiroyuki (1955-2017), a powerful potter of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki who left a brilliant mark in numerous major public exhibitions, including the Suntory Museum of Art Award Exhibition, which boasts an extremely high status in the contemporary art and craft world. This piece, meticulously crafted by the artist himself, comes with a dedicated wooden box (tomobako) secured with a Sanada cord, on the lid of which \"Yakishime Dakokumon Bajouhai\" is inscribed in ink by the artist's own hand, and on the back of the lid are the signatures of Yasaburo kiln and Hiroyuki, along with a vivid vermilion seal. The dignified form of the stem cup, with a height of approximately 8.8 cm and a mouth diameter of approximately 5.7 cm, conveys a refined presence the moment it is held, exuding an overwhelming presence as the ultimate Japanese kogei (craft) sake vessel (ceramic tasting cup) for slowly enjoying cold sake, special aged sake, or high-end spirits with large ice cubes. Kitagawa, who passed away suddenly in 2017 at the young age of 62, has no new works entering the market, making all existing pieces his life's legacy. This grants his works extremely high rarity and solid asset value for collectors both domestic and international.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eThe artist, Kitagawa Hiroyuki, was born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1955 and aspired to become a potter, deeply inheriting the craftsmanship spirit of his grandfather, a master of bamboo crafts. After graduating from the ceramics department of Kyoto Design and Arts College in 1977, he apprenticed under the master \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%9C%A8%E6%9D%91%E7%9B%9B%E5%BA%B7%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKimura Moriyasu\u003c\/a\u003e for four years, learning a strict sense of aesthetics. The following year, in 1978, he graduated from the molding department of Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Vocational Training School, where he acquired extremely precise wheel-throwing techniques. After establishing his own kiln, Tobo Yasaburo, in Tsuzuki District, Kyoto Prefecture, in 1987, he rose to prominence, beginning with his acceptance into the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition and the Shinsho Kogeikai Exhibition in 1988. Furthermore, in 1992, he achieved the remarkable feat of being selected for the Suntory Museum of Art Award Exhibition '92 \"Forms to Challenge,\" which is extremely difficult to be selected for in the art world, and simultaneously continued to be selected for the Sapporo Art Park Craft Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, and the Kyo-ten Exhibition. Thereafter, he continued to achieve brilliant results at the forefront of contemporary crafts, such as receiving the Encouragement Award at the Shinbi Kogeikai Exhibition in 1995 and the Shimpo Industrial Award at the same exhibition in 1997, and his excellent handiwork has been highly praised, including being selected for a special exhibition at the Kyoto Ceramic Art Hall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eA professional analysis of the design and decorative beauty of this work reveals that it is a brilliant culmination of Kitagawa's profound understanding of iron glaze and mud glaze, meticulously controlled, and an accumulation of painstaking handiwork. The most distinctive feature of the vessel, and the technique for which he is most acclaimed, is the dakokumon (stamped pattern). This pattern is created by precisely stamping granular designs at an extremely delicate moment before the clay dries, bringing beautiful regularity to the upper and middle parts of the vessel. Furthermore, a warm reddish-brown mud glaze band is applied around the center of the vessel's body, on which green speckles and luxurious gold decoration are baked, creating a vibrant and modern contrast derived from Kyo-yaki within the rustic texture of the yakishime. Below this vivid band, a complex and organic carved pattern band, combining spatula marks and powerful indentations, extends, giving the tactile sensation an overwhelming depth. The base supporting the stem cup is finished with a lustrous, deep black iron glaze, smartly tightening the overall structure of the vessel. The entire interior of the vessel is beautifully coated with a unique metallic luster glaze that reflects light when sake is poured, creating an intriguing and beautiful shimmering effect. Inside the foot ring at the bottom of the vessel, a modern pottery seal, a stylized character of \"Hiro\" proving the artist's authenticity, is clearly stamped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eThe production period of this work is presumed to be from the mid-1990s to around the 2000s, during the artist's prime in the middle to late stages of his career. The accompanying official artist's profile concludes with records of awards received in 1997 and regular solo exhibitions held since 1995, clearly indicating that this work was created after these dates. From a stylistic perspective, it perfectly blends the meticulous dakokumon (stamped pattern) and the multi-layered control techniques of mud glaze, iron glaze, and gold decoration, which were fully established after the opening of his kiln in 1987 and his selection for the Suntory Museum of Art Award Exhibition in 1992. This perfectly reflects the historical context of a period when high-class, one-of-a-kind sake vessels were actively showcased in art salons and department store galleries in major cities. This is a supreme piece of art and craft, in perfect condition without a single flaw, embodying the brilliance of a master craftsman's most mature moment, who passed away at a young age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist\u003c\/b\u003e: Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸, 1955-2017)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist's Representative Activities\u003c\/b\u003e: [1977] Graduated from Kyoto Design and Arts College, Ceramics Department; Selected for Kyoto Craft Exhibition. [1978] Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training School, Molding Department. [1987] Established \"Tobo Yasaburo\" kiln. [1988] Selected for Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition; Selected for Shinsho Kogeikai Exhibition. [1991] Selected for Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition. [1992] Selected for Suntory Museum of Art Award Exhibition '92 \"Forms to Challenge\"; Selected for Sapporo Art Park Craft Exhibition; Selected for Asahi Ceramics Exhibition; Selected for Kyo-ten Exhibition. [1995] Received Encouragement Award at Shinbi Kogeikai Exhibition. [1996] Selected for Nissin Menbachi Grand Prix Exhibition. [1997] Received Shimpo Industrial Award at Shinbi Kogeikai Exhibition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublic Collections\u003c\/b\u003e: Permanently housed in public collections including the Kyoto Ceramic Art Hall (Special Exhibition, Selected Ceramic Artist Showcase), etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eProduction Period\u003c\/b\u003e: Mid-1990s to around 2000s (estimated. Based on the artist's profile in the accompanying brochure and the maturity of the style, which shows perfect harmony of meticulous dakokumon, mud glaze, and gold decoration, it is presumed to be a valuable masterpiece from the middle to late period, during his prime era of solo exhibitions).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eProduct Condition\u003c\/b\u003e: Very good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAccessories\u003c\/b\u003e: Dedicated tomobako (wooden box), official artist's profile (brochure) included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaterial\u003c\/b\u003e: Pottery (yakishime, mud glaze, iron glaze, gold decoration)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/b\u003e: Height approx. 8.8 cm, Caliber approx. 5.7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21,8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNote\u003c\/b\u003e: Even if the products we offer are new and unused, they are from a very old production period and are all listed as used items. Products may have damage due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and confirming this.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47931190280379,"sku":null,"price":50000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_7949_result.jpg?v=1781331719"}],"url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/collections\/maker-kitagawa-hiroyuki.oembed","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}