{"title":"Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWorks by the ceramic artist Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視, 1931–2012) currently available at Antique Liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"162","title":"Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視), Celadon Stem Cup (Bajohai): A Masterpiece of Modern Kyoto Porcelain #162","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eMatsumoto Isami (1931–2012) was an artist of the highest pedigree in contemporary Japanese ceramics, having studied under the legendary \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%A5%A0%E9%83%A8%E5%BD%8C%E5%BC%8C%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYaichi Kusube\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E5%AE%AE%E4%B8%8B%E5%96%84%E5%AF%BF%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eZenju Miyashita\u003c\/a\u003e, both recipients of the Order of Culture. The spirit of ceramics as a pure art form that transcends mere utility—a philosophy inherited from his masters—is consistently reflected in his work through elegant aesthetic forms and the delicate layering of color. The emerald green hue achieved by Matsumoto in this piece is the result of a precise physical phenomenon. It requires controlling the iron oxide content in the glaze within an incredibly minute range of 0.1 to 0.3 percent while maintaining a perfectly constant reducing atmosphere in the kiln at high temperatures around 1,300 degrees Celsius. This technique represents a modern chemical redefinition of the celestial sky-blue (Ten-seisho) achieved by the Ru kilns of China's Song Dynasty. By intentionally inducing Rayleigh scattering—a phenomenon where light reflects off microscopic air bubbles and undissolved particles within the glaze layer—he creates a profound depth and transparency that industrial colorants cannot replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIn terms of form, the stem of this Bajohai (stem cup) is an exercise in extreme craftsmanship. Due to the high shrinkage rate characteristic of porcelain clay, such a design is prone to warping or collapsing under its own weight during firing, resulting in an exceptionally low yield. Furthermore, the line-engraving (Senkoku) technique inherited from his master requires an extraordinary level of sensitivity. The artist must maneuver a needle with sub-millimeter precision during the brief window when the clay is semi-dry—an irreversible process where a single mistake is fatal to the piece. The fact that the deep celadon glaze is applied so evenly to such thin, exquisite porcelain while perfectly controlling the crackle pattern (Kanyu) serves as a testament to his absolute mastery of firing schedules, honed through his long tenure as a judge for the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eOwing to this overwhelming technical prowess and artistic dignity, Matsumoto twice won the Special Selection (Tokusen) award at the Nitten, Japan's most prestigious art exhibition, and later assumed key roles as a judge and councilor, leading the Japanese art world. His reputation extends internationally, with his work held in the permanent collection of the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas. The museum holds his work in high academic regard, utilizing it as a living educational resource for students and researchers to study the modern reinterpretation of Ru-ware celadon and the evolution of Kyoto porcelain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eStanding approximately six centimeters tall, this diminutive stem cup embodies a celebratory prayer that transcends its function as a drinking vessel. Built upon the conviction that a vessel is a sanctuary where the liquid and the user's heart meet, the modern expressionism inherited from his masters has been captured within this small space as a dynamic moment of life blossoming amidst silence. This blue, which marries classical Chinese beauty with 20th-century Kyoto sophistication, resonates deeply with the aesthetic sensibilities of those who appreciate high-end crystal like Baccarat or Lalique. It is a masterpiece that deserves the highest praise from global collectors for its timeless elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視, 1931–2012)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotable Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1967] Won the Special Selection Award at the 10th Nitten Exhibition; [1974] Won the Special Selection Award at the 6th Nitten Exhibition; [Later years] Served as a Nitten Judge, Nitten Councilor, and Director of the Kyoto Craft Artists Association.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spencer Museum of Art (University of Kansas, USA), Minneapolis Institute of Art (USA), Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation (USA), Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Itsuo Art Museum, among others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Production Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1990s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (No chips or cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original signed wooden box (Tomobako), wrapping cloth\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Porcelain, Celadon Glaze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diameter approx. 6 cm, Height approx. 6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotice:\u003c\/strong\u003e While this item is in unused condition, it is a vintage piece produced many years ago and is therefore listed as second-hand. Please be aware that vintage items may show minor signs of age. We invite you to examine the provided images carefully before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47473095966907,"sku":null,"price":28000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_4494.jpg?v=1772271576"},{"product_id":"172","title":"Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視): A Pair of Emerald Celadon Sake Cups — Redefining Ru Ware and the Zenith of Emerald Green through Rayleigh Scattering #172","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eMatsumoto Isami (1931–2012) was a master potter of the highest pedigree in contemporary Japanese ceramics. Having studied under the legendary \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%A5%A0%E9%83%A8%E5%BD%8C%E5%BC%8C%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKusube Yaichi\u003c\/a\u003e (recipient of the Order of Culture) and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E5%AE%AE%E4%B8%8B%E5%96%84%E5%AF%BF%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eZenju Miyashita\u003c\/a\u003e, he dedicated his life to the \"spirit of ceramics as pure art that transcends practical use.\" This set of two sake cups is a quintessential work from his mature period, representing a harmonious fusion of dignified form and meticulously calculated layers of color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eThe most extraordinary feature of this work is the captivatingly deep emerald green hue. This mystical color is the result of a physical phenomenon achieved only by precisely controlling the iron oxide content in the glaze within a minute range of 0.1% to 0.3%, while maintaining a perfectly constant reducing atmosphere in the kiln at high temperatures around 1,300°C. This technique redefines the \"heavenly blue\" (Tianqing) of China’s legendary Song Dynasty Ru Ware through a modern chemical approach, intentionally inducing \"Rayleigh scattering.\" Light reflects off microscopic bubbles and undissolved particles within the glaze layer, creating a deep, internally luminous transparency that industrial pigments can never replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eIn terms of form, the elegant presence of the cups overcomes the high shrinkage rates inherent to porcelain clay. The \"line engraving technique\" inherited from his masters requires a sublime level of sensitivity, with the needle moving with sub-millimeter precision within the fleeting window when the clay is semi-dry—an irreversible process that allows for no error. The ability to evenly fix a deep celadon glaze on such thin, refined porcelain while perfectly controlling the crackle (kanyu) is a testament to Matsumoto's mastery of firing schedules, honed through his long tenure as a judge for the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eDue to his overwhelming technical prowess and artistic integrity, Matsumoto was twice awarded the \"Tokusen\" (Special Selection) at the Nitten, the most prestigious art exhibition in Japan, and later served in influential roles as a judge and council member. His reputation extends internationally, with works held in world-class institutions such as the Spencer Museum of Art (University of Kansas, USA), the Minneapolis Institute of Art (USA), and the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation (New York). Notably, the Spencer Museum utilizes his work as \"living teaching material\" for the study of modern reinterpretations of Ru Ware and the evolution of porcelain in Kyoto, underscoring his profound academic value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eCrafted with the belief that \"a vessel is a sanctuary where the poured liquid and the user’s heart meet,\" these cups embody a celebratory prayer that transcends their function as drinking vessels. Blending classical Chinese aesthetics with the sophisticated modern expressionism of 20th-century Kyoto, this specific shade of \"Blue\" will provide exceptional satisfaction even to discerning collectors of high-end crystal glass such as Baccarat or Lalique. The moment amber whisky or clear sake is poured, the emerald green born from Rayleigh scattering resonates with the liquid, bringing a quiet dynamism to your table. This is a supreme masterpiece that encapsulates a timeless aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視, 1931–2012)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotable Career Achievements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Awarded the 10th Nitten Tokusen (1967) and the 6th Nitten Tokusen (1974). Served as Nitten Judge, Nitten Council Member, and Director of the Kyoto Craft Artists Association.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spencer Museum of Art (University of Kansas, USA), Minneapolis Institute of Art (USA), Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation (USA), Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Itsuo Art Museum (Osaka, Japan), and more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1990s (Estimated)\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (no chips or cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original signed wooden box (Tomobako) and wrapping cloth (Tomonuno) included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Porcelain, Celadon Glaze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diameter approx. 5.6 cm, Height approx. 5.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if items are in unused condition, they are vintage archival pieces and are listed as second-hand. Please understand that products may show characteristics of aging, and we encourage you to review all details before purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47482920566971,"sku":null,"price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_4464.jpg?v=1772271581"},{"product_id":"211","title":"Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視): A Masterpiece of Modern Kyoto Porcelain – Redefining Ru Ware Sky-Blue Jade Celadon Shot Glass #211","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThis is an exquisitely refined Jade Celadon guinomi (sake cup) by Matsumoto Isami (1931–2012), a doyen of the Kyoto ceramic art world and a master who led contemporary Japanese porcelain art. Matsumoto studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%A5%A0%E9%83%A8%E5%BD%8C%E5%BC%8C%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYaichi Kusube\u003c\/a\u003e, a recipient of the Order of Culture who elevated post-war Japanese ceramics to the status of pure fine art for appreciation. The spirit of ceramics as pure art beyond utility, inherited from his mentor, consistently flows through his works as a dignified aesthetic form and a superposition of delicate colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe unique celadon color achieved by Matsumoto in this work—a Jade Celadon with the depth of an emerald—is the result of a physical phenomenon obtained only by controlling the iron oxide content in the glaze within an extremely fine range of 0.1 to 0.3 percent, and maintaining a perfectly constant reducing atmosphere in the kiln at high temperatures around 1300 degrees Celsius. This technique redefines the sky-blue color achieved by the Ru ware of China's Song Dynasty through a modern chemical approach. By intentionally inducing Rayleigh scattering—which occurs when light reflects off microscopic bubbles and undissolved particles within the glaze layer—it creates a deep transparency impossible with industrial dyes. The incised line (senkoku) technique applied to the entire surface requires a high degree of sensibility to precisely move a needle with sub-millimeter accuracy within the short time the clay body is in a semi-dry state, completed through an irreversible process where not a single mistake is allowed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIn terms of form, it features dimensions that combine stability and elegance, with a mouth diameter of approximately 7.2 cm and a height of approximately 4.2 cm. The ability to evenly fix a deep celadon glaze onto such a thin and refined porcelain while controlling the crazing demonstrates a complete mastery of the firing schedule, based on many years of experience as a Nitten judge. Due to his overwhelming technical skill and dignity, Matsumoto received two Tokusen (Special Selection) awards at the Nitten, Japan's most prestigious art exhibition. His reputation extended overseas, with his works being housed in global museums such as the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Burke Collection in the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eAlthough originally created as a guinomi for enjoying Japanese sake, our gallery proposes this piece as a shot glass for savoring rare aged sake or Western spirits that have matured for decades. The wide mouth design optimizes the surface area where the liquid comes into contact with air, directly delivering the complex aromas produced by Blooming with water to the nasal cavity. Despite its palm-sized dimensions, it is a highly acclaimed academic masterpiece that combines the infinite depth of emerald green with the tension of precise incised lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Matsumoto Isami (松本為佐視, 1931–2012)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"36\"\u003eArtist's Major Career Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e Received the 10th Nitten Tokusen (Special Selection) Award, the 6th Nitten Tokusen Award, served as a Nitten Juror, Nitten Councilor, and Director of the Kyoto Craft Arts Writers Association, among others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"276\"\u003eWorks in Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Spencer Museum of Art (University of Kansas, USA), Minneapolis Institute of Art (USA), Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation (USA), Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (Kyoto City Museum of Art), Itsuo Art Museum (Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture), etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"541\"\u003ePeriod of Creation:\u003c\/b\u003e 2000s (Presumed to be from his mature late period)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"612\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"655\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (signed and sealed by Matsumoto Isami), \u003cspan\u003e\u0026nbsp;wrapping cloth, and descriptive leaflet included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"736\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Porcelain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"756\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Mouth diameter approx. 7.2 cm, height approx. 4.2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"821\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e All products offered by our gallery, even if unused, are from older production periods and are listed as used items. The product may have age-related wear, so please understand and confirm this before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47695919874235,"sku":null,"price":33000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5902_result.jpg?v=1776176898"}],"url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/collections\/maker-matsumoto-isami.oembed","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}