Isami Matsumoto, Celadon Stem Cup (Bajohai): A Masterpiece of Modern Kyoto Porcelain #162

Isami Matsumoto (1931–2012) was an artist of the highest pedigree in contemporary Japanese ceramics, having studied under the legendary Yaichi Kusube and Zenju Miyashita, 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.

In 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).

Owing 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.

Standing 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.

• Artist: Isami Matsumoto (1931–2012)
• Notable Career Highlights: [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.
• Public Collections: 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.
• Estimated Production Period: 1990s
• Condition: Excellent (No chips or cracks)
• Accessories: Original signed wooden box (Tomobako), wrapping cloth 
• Material: Porcelain, Celadon Glaze
• Dimensions: Diameter approx. 6 cm, Height approx. 6 cm
• Notice: 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.