Eguchi Katsumi (江口勝美) Masterpiece from His Peak Period: Washi-zome Floral Design, Supreme Whisky Ceramic Whisky Tumbler Set of 2 #178

Eguchi Katsumi is a renowned master who revived the Koyamaji Kiln in 1968, upholding the orthodox lineage of Southern Ko-Karatsu that has continued in Takeo, Saga Prefecture, since the late Momoyama period. As a living legend in the Hizen pottery world, Eguchi's reputation is widely established. Celebrated the artist's 88th birthday (Beiju) in 2024, this pair of glasses was crafted between the late 1980s and early 1990s, the absolute prime of Eguchi's artistic career. These works are highly coveted by craft connoisseurs for the way they fuse the formal dignity of traditional Oribe Karatsu with Eguchi's unique decorative aesthetic. The core of this work lies in the Washi-zome (Japanese paper dyeing) technique, where thin Washi paper is adhered to the bisque-fired surface to allow pigments to permeate through. This process creates a dreamlike gradation—a subtle seeping of color through the fibers—that is impossible to achieve with direct brushwork. Eguchi has meticulously calculated the interaction between clay composition and pigment absorption; the indigo and brown petals in these pieces possess a watercolor-like transparency, yet the colors are fired deep into the ceramic body. A particular highlight of this work's sculptural beauty is the lush, rounded body line that seems to cling to the palm of the hand. This unique silhouette is ideally designed for rare single malts or aged spirits, allowing the user to slowly swirl the glass to open up the complex aromas. Even with large ice cubes, the glass provides ample space for an elegant swirl, allowing one to enjoy the musical resonance of whisky and ice. This vessel is truly elevated to a supreme Ceramic Whisky Tumbler. The contrast between the substantial texture of the clay and the light floral patterns of the Washi-zome deepens significantly when filled with amber liquid, exuding the grandeur of the finest vessel for a modern lifestyle.

• Artist: Eguchi Katsumi (江口勝美, 1936–)
• Representative Career: 1961 West Japan Crafts Exhibition Asahi Shimbun Award (Special Prize), 1962 National Prefectural Exhibition Selection Minister of Education Award, 1972 19th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition Asahi Shimbun Award, 1979 5th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition Excellence Award, 1981 26th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition Japan Art Crafts Association Encouragement Award, 1983 West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition Prime Minister's Award, 1985 Japan Ceramic Society Award.
• Museum Collections: Saga Prefectural Museum, Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Cultural Museum, The Japan Foundation, etc. 
• Production Period: 1989 to early 1990s (Masterpiece from the artist's prime)
  Condition: Very Good (no chips, no cracks) 
• Accessories: Original wooden box, introductory leaflet (Shiori) 
• Material: Ceramic (Koyamaji Kiln / Oribe Karatsu)
• Dimensions: [Large] Height approx. 8.7cm, Mouth diameter approx. 8cm, [Small] Height approx. 7.5cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.7cm
• Note: Even if the items we provide are new and unused, they are from a very old production period and are listed as used. Please understand and confirm that the items may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.
• Please check the photos: We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.