Utsutsugawa-yaki, Thirteenth Generation Yokoishi Gagyu (十三代 横石臥牛), Lotus Hakeuchi Ceramic Whisky Tumbler #185

Thirteenth Generation Yokoishi Gagyu (十三代横石臥牛, 1925–2016; Birth name: Hiromi Yokoishi) was the holder of the Nagasaki Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property for Utsutsugawa-yaki. Gagyu XIII 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 the artist's outstanding achievements, Gagyu XIII was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Gagyu XIII's 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 lotus motif on this work is one of Gagyu XIII's most favored designs and is depicted using the Hakeme (brush-mark) technique, which lies at the core of Utsutsugawa-yaki. Utsutsugawa-yaki is characterized by firing dark brown clay with a high iron content as thinly as porcelain. By applying white slip with a brush using the Hakeuchi (brush-striking) technique—where the slip is tapped onto the surface—the artist expresses the life force of lotus leaves and flowers swaying in the wind. Since iron-rich clay and slip have different shrinkage rates during firing, advanced techniques backed by decades of experience are essential to firmly adhere the patterns to extremely thin vessels without peeling.

Our store proposes this historic cylindrical cup as a special vessel for enjoying old whisky or rare spirits. The contrast between the deep, iron-colored base and the pure white brush marks of the lotus, when filled with amber liquid, enhances visual depth and provides a serene experience. The thinness of the rim conveys the delicate flavor of the spirit directly to the palate, and the shimmering lotus design inside the vessel as it interacts with the liquid offers 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 masterpiece representing the golden age of the revived and evolved Utsutsugawa-yaki.

• Artist: Thirteenth Generation Yokoishi Gagyu (十三代 横石臥牛, 1925–2016)
• Artist's representative activities: 1975 Certified as a holder of Nagasaki Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property, 1982 Awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Award, 1987 Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, 1995 Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
• Museum Collections: 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.
• 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.