Fukuda Rikisaburo (福田力三郎, 1912–1993) was a legendary guardian who, for over half a century alongside the great Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji, protected the sacred "fire" and "earth" of Mashiko pottery. This work, "Tea Bowl with Iron-Glaze Polychrome Bamboo Design," transcends the scope of a mere apprentice's work; it is a masterpiece that represents the culmination of Fukuda's late-career artistry, fully embodying the essence of the Hamada Folk Craft (Mingei) movement. Apprenticing with Hamada Shoji in 1925 at the age of 13, Fukuda served an entire working life as the chief workshop manager (Banto), the most trusted pillar of Hamada’s studio. The artist's style, distinct from Fukuda's teacher’s flamboyant artistry, distills a "sincerity to the earth" and "beauty in utility" that can only be achieved by a craftsman dedicated to the front lines of production.
The highlight of this piece is the bold yet delicate technique of "Tetsu-e Kasai" (iron-glaze with added polychrome) applied to the surface. Painted without hesitation over traditional Mashiko persimmon (Kaki) and rice husk (Nukajiro) glazes, the bamboo leaf design captures a fleeting moment of vitality swaying in the wind. These brushstrokes possess the robust power of a man who touched clay and conversed with fire daily for decades. The profound dark brown of the iron-glaze and the depth of the added colors create a magnificent contrast with the rustic texture of the Mashiko earth, bringing a spiritual depth to the entire vessel. Connoisseurs will be particularly impressed by the substantial "heft" and the mastery of the firing. As the manager of the studio’s climbing kiln, Fukuda understood the nature of fire perfectly, allowing the artist to achieve a degree of glaze melt that feels like a powerful, uncalculated force of nature. The moment you hold it, you feel the substantial weight and warmth of the earth. This texture, combined with the subtle flare of the rim and the depth of the bowl, elevates its functional perfection to the highest degree.
There is a deliberate reason we propose this masterpiece as the "Supreme Ceramic Whisky Tumbler." Originally, a tea bowl is a "vessel for fragrance" designed to maximize the aromatic experience. Its wide interior and calculated diameter allow the complex aromas of aged spirits—especially whisky—to open up more luxuriantly than in a standard glass, delivering the scent directly to the palate. The deep tones of the persimmon glaze and the powerful iron-glaze design resonate with bold single malts, such as a long-aged Macallan from sherry casks or a peaty Lagavulin. The heavy Mashiko earthenware gently embraces the musical sound of amber liquid swirling against ice.
Pouring a fine Western spirit into a treasure of Japanese Kōgei creates a "fusion of Eastern and Western cultures" that defines the essence of modern luxury. Because Fukuda devoted most of a lifetime to assisting Hamada, works bearing Fukuda's own signature—especially tea bowls of this caliber—are exceedingly rare. When the scent of the earth blends with the matured aroma of whisky, a unique time flows where Showa-era craftsmanship and contemporary sensibility intersect. Feeling the history of the Mingei movement at your fingertips while enjoying amber-colored moments—this piece promises an intellectual and elegant lifestyle.
- Artist: Fukuda Rikisaburo (福田力三郎, 1912–1993)
- Key Activities: The very first apprentice of Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji. From the age of 13, Fukuda served as the chief manager (Banto) of the Hamada Workshop, overseeing all aspects of production and firing throughout a long career. The artist embodied the spirit of Hamada Folk Craft on the front lines and was revered as the "Craftsman among Craftsmen."
- Awards: [1972] Honored as Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Contributor, [1984] Recipient of the Shimotsuke Prefectural Citizen's Award, etc. Recognized for Fukuda's vast contributions to regional culture and dedication to teaching younger generations.
- Museum Collections: Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Tokyo), Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts, Hamada Shoji Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, etc.
- Production Period: 1980s (Estimated). Believed to be a masterpiece from the artist's later years, when Fukuda transitioned from being the workshop foreman to holding solo exhibitions and perfecting Fukuda's unique iron-glaze style.
- Condition: Very Good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Comes with original signed wooden box (Tomobako)
- Material: Ceramic (Iron-glaze polychrome / Mashiko Ware)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 7.8 cm, Diameter approx. 11 cm
- Note: Please note that all products, even those in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.
- 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.
