Utsutsugawa-yaki, Thirteenth Generation Yokoishi Gagyu, Mizore Hakeme Ceramic Whiskey Tumbler #184

Thirteenth Generation Yokoishi Gagyu (real name: Hiromi Yokoishi, 1925–2016) was the holder of the Nagasaki Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property for Utsutsugawa-yaki. He was the restorer and grandmaster who revived Utsutsugawa-yaki—a legendary pottery that flourished for only about 50 years during the mid-Edo period before disappearing. Although Utsutsugawa-yaki was once praised as the "Treasure of the West," its techniques were lost for approximately 200 years. The Yokoishi family conducted exhaustive research over several generations, and it was the 13th generation who elevated its artistry to its absolute pinnacle. For his outstanding achievements, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. His works are housed in the Kyushu Ceramic Museum and the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, and have been frequently selected as gifts for imperial and royal families both in Japan and abroad.

The "Mizore-hakeme" (sleet brushwork) applied to this piece is the most delicate technique and is considered synonymous with the 13th generation Gagyu. The essence of Utsutsugawa-yaki lies in firing thin, porcelain-like vessels from reddish-brown clay rich in iron, and then applying white slip with a brush. This piece, in particular, expresses extremely fine brush movements reminiscent of sleet falling from the sky. Since the iron-rich clay and the slip have different shrinkage rates during firing, fixing the patterns without peeling on a vessel formed to extreme thinness requires a high level of kiln control and masterful handiwork that the artist achieved through decades of dedication.

We propose this historic cylindrical cup as a special vessel for enjoying old whiskey or rare spirits. The serene contrast created by the deep, iron-colored body and the pure white brushwork adds visual depth when amber liquid is poured in, offering a sensory experience that connects with traditional Japanese beauty through all five senses. The thinness of the rim conveys the delicate flavor of the spirit directly to the palate, and the sleet-like design depicted within the vessel, shimmering through the liquid, truly provides a luxurious experience of savoring traditional Japanese aesthetics in the palm of your hand. Crafted by the master who passed away in 2016, this is a rare and exquisite piece representing the golden age of the revived and evolved Utsutsugawa-yaki.

• Artist: Thirteenth Generation Yokoishi Gagyu (1925–2016)
• Artist's notable career highlights: 1975 Certified as a holder of Nagasaki Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property, 1982 Awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Prize, 1987 Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, 1995 Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
• Works housed at: Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, etc.
• Production period: 1990s–2000s (The peak mature period of the artist)
• Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks)
• Accessories: None
• Material: Pottery (Utsutsugawa-yaki / Hakeme)
• Dimensions: Height approx. 7 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 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.