Ito Sekisui V (born 1941) is a master of contemporary ceramics who was designated a Living National Treasure in 2003 as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "Mumyoi-yaki," the first person from Sado Island to receive this honor. While inheriting the traditions of the Sekisui kiln, which dates back to the late Edo period, he did not merely follow tradition but elevated Mumyoi-yaki to a global art form by pursuing the chemical reactions of clay and fire to their utmost limit. His reputation extends beyond Japan, as evidenced by the fact that prestigious public museums around the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, have his works in their permanent collections, testifying to the universal nature of his artistry.
Particularly noteworthy in this work is the culmination of "Yohen" (kiln transformation), which was central to his designation as a Living National Treasure. The raw material for Mumyoi-yaki is a red clay rich in iron oxide, produced near the Sado gold mine. This clay has extremely fine particles, leading to an astonishing shrinkage of approximately 30 percent during firing. This exceptionally high shrinkage rate can easily cause cracks and distortions with slight temperature changes or unevenness in the clay, making the meticulous calculations and intuition gained from years of experience by a master craftsman indispensable for producing a perfect piece. This work is a "Yakishime" (unglazed, high-fired ware) that, despite having no glaze, uses reduction firing to severely restrict oxygen during firing, causing the iron in the clay to react and transform parts of the red clay into a deep jet black. These traces of fire, beyond human intention, are said to mimic Sado's rugged coastline and the spray of waves crashing against cliffs, or the time etched into the rock by the winds sweeping across the island, encapsulating the harshness and tranquility of nature within a single vessel.
Stripped of ostentatious decoration and composed solely through the dialogue between earth and fire, the design of this work strongly reflects the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi." The dramatic contrast between red and black, at first glance, gives a sharp impression, but the hard yet fine texture unique to Mumyoi-yaki, felt the moment it is held, exudes a serene power. The greatness of a Living National Treasure's work lies in its "quiet dignity"—the ability to change the atmosphere of a space simply by existing, without excessive assertion. We propose this rare pair as the ultimate sake vessel to enhance the delicate amber hues of aged sake or whiskey, matured over decades. This vessel, the culmination of a master craftsman's lifelong quest, will surely become a special presence for sake lovers, transcending mere utility to provide spiritual fulfillment.
- Artist: Ito Sekisui V (born 1941)
- Artist's notable career highlights: Elevated "Mumyoi-yaki," a traditional craft from Sado Island, to the realm of art. Designated a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "Mumyoi-yaki" (Living National Treasure) in 2003. [1973] Awarded the Prince Takamatsu Memorial Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition; [2005] Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon; [2011] Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
- Works held in: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Victoria and Albert Museum; Smithsonian Institution; and others.
- Period of creation: 2000s to 2010s (the mature period after being designated a Living National Treasure). The "Yohen" (kiln transformation) in this work, where red clay is transformed into jet black solely through fire control to express Sado's rugged coastline, is a signature design of Sekisui V. This style represents the peak of his expression, showcasing a natural power and tranquility resonating beyond human intention, further refined around the time of his 2003 designation.
- Condition: Good (No chips, no cracks), some minor surface marks
- Accessories: Original wooden box (Tomobako), wrapping cloth
- Material: Pottery (Mumyoi-yaki / Yohen)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 7.2 cm - 8.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.0 cm - 6.8 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.
