Miyanaga Rikichi (1935-), known as Miyanaga Tozan III, is an internationally acclaimed artist who, while inheriting the lineage of the prestigious Miyanaga Tozan kiln in Kyoto, has pioneered contemporary ceramic sculpture. From 1954, he studied under Shindo Tsuji and Masakazu Horiuchi, leaders of Japanese abstract sculpture, at the Department of Sculpture, Kyoto City University of Arts. During his travels to the United States in 1960, he engaged with Peter Voulkos and others, honing an avant-garde sensibility that treats clay as a pure artistic medium. After returning to Japan in 1971, he joined the influential avant-garde group Sodeisha as a member, pursuing forms as "objets" that transcend mere functionality. His journey, marked by receiving the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Achievement Award in 1998 and succeeding to the title of Miyanaga Tozan III in 1999, demonstrates a sophisticated fusion of Kyoto's traditional heritage and contemporary artistic innovation.
This work is a small guinomi (sake cup) that reflects his exceptional skill as a sculptor, featuring an organic form that maximizes the natural plasticity of clay. Rather than being formed on a potter’s wheel, the unique texture created through sculptural techniques such as hand-forming and carving fits comfortably in the palm. The vessel creates complex shadows depending on the light, giving it a commanding presence as a complete ceramic sculpture. His artistic achievements are highly regarded both in Japan and abroad, with his works permanently housed in major institutions, including The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art; and the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum.
We propose this piece as the ultimate vessel for enjoying aged whiskey and rare old bottles. The organic sculptural beauty of the ceramic gains visual depth when filled with amber liquid, offering a sensory experience that connects with the spirituality of Japanese contemporary craft. Bearing the prestigious name of Miyanaga Tozan and imbued with the avant-garde spirit of Sodeisha, this work is an invaluable find for international art lovers and collectors, representing a rare intersection of tradition and modernity in Japanese ceramic culture.
Comment from a master potter who socialized with Rikichi Miyanaga: "Hereditary potters carry a heavy burden. Even when their work is exceptional, people are quick to suspect that tradition played a part—as if success were a given. Rikichi is the third generation of the renowned master Miyanaga Tozan. While I hear that many third-generation successors are prone to rebellion, his spatial processing transcends that of a typical potter. This is because he is also a sculptor, and his work is not born of mere defiance. However, in this world that prizes the 'distortions' of refined ceramics, his resolute attempt to expand the realm of precise porcelain—and the gentle, disciplined elegance beneath that bold action—is this, perhaps, the subtle shadow inherent to a third-generation master?" — Kazuo Yagi (1918–1979)
Comment from a literary giant who socialized with Rikichi Miyanaga: "The art of Rikichi Miyanaga is composed of purely abstract planes and straight lines. There is no room for the intervention of ambiguous curves or accidental irregularities. This product of a completely rational spirit delights me, having had my eyes opened to beauty in my youth by Mondrian’s 'Composition.' Yet, the difference between that Dutch painter and this Kyoto potter lies in the space between Miyanaga's lines and planes. From those gaps, the various other possibilities the artist explored during the creative process emerge like a dream, inviting us into a play of creation. The artist's passion is transformed on the surface of the work into a lyrical and graceful elegance." — Shinichiro Nakamura (1918–1997)
- Artist: Miyanaga Tozan III (Miyanaga Rikichi, 1935-)
- Artist's Major Activities: 1970 Japan Ceramic Society Award, 1971 Sodeisha member, 1993 Kyoto City Cultural Contributor, 1998 Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Achievement Award, 1999 Succeeded to the title Miyanaga Tozan III.
- Works in Collections: The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; The Japan Foundation; Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art; Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum; Enbe China Modern Art Museum (China); Victoria and Albert Museum (UK); Musée Ariana (Switzerland); Museu de la Garrotxa (Spain); Musée des Arts Décoratifs (France); Everson Museum of Art (USA); Canterbury Museum (New Zealand); Newcastle Art Gallery (Australia); Art Gallery of New South Wales (Australia); La Casa Japonesa en Argentina (Argentina), and others.
- Period of Creation: Circa 1999-2005 (The mature period around the time of his succession)
- Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original wooden box, wrapping cloth, introductory leaflet
- Material: Ceramic (Ceramic sculpture, Celadon glaze, etc.)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 4 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.5 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.
