This "Bashohai" (Horseback Cup) is a 1980s masterpiece by Yohei Konishi (born 1941), a master craftsman who elevated the traditional techniques of Tokoname ware to the level of contemporary art. This particular piece has a prestigious provenance, having been selected around May 1985 at Seikado in Ginza, Tokyo—then one of Japan's premier hubs for high-end art and crafts. This was shortly after Konishi established his international reputation by winning the Silver Medal at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennial in France in 1982. As a designated Intangible Cultural Property holder of Tokoname City, his works are held in prestigious public collections worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This piece offers a rare opportunity to experience his exceptional artistry within the palm of your hand.
In Yohei Konishi’s creative work, the most highly acclaimed elements are his "Neriage" technique—layering differently colored clays to create intricate internal patterns—and his "Usu-zukuri" (thin-walled) wheel-throwing, which pushes the very limits of the medium. The Neriage in this work consists of multiple layers of Tokoname’s characteristic vermilion (Shudei), white, and black clays. Unlike surface painting, this creates a profound visual depth that seems to emanate from within the vessel itself. This technique requires joining multiple clays with different properties and shrinkage rates, entailing an extremely high risk of cracking or warping during drying and firing. Achieving this level of difficulty requires not only the clay selection skills rooted in Tokoname tradition but also the masterful intuition of an artist who understands the nature of fire.
A detailed observation of the design reveals that the unique form of the horseback cup, flaring gracefully from its high stem, accentuates the complex textures created by the Neriage. The dynamic patterns on the surface, reminiscent of geological strata or cosmic undulations, represent a unique expression where calculated intent meets the natural transformation of the kiln. It encapsulates the creative energy of the 1980s, the peak of Konishi's career. Despite its delicate dimensions (approx. 6.3 cm in height, 5.3 cm in diameter), the contrast between the characteristic lightness of Tokoname ware and its visual density eloquently speaks to the true value that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.
Artist: Yohei Konishi (born 1941)
Representative Career: [1982] Awarded the Silver Medal at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennial in France; [2013] Designated as a holder of the Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property for "Tokoname Ware (Hand-thrown pottery)." Currently a Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association, he continues to lead contemporary Tokoname ware, utilizing his self-taught and evolved "Neriage" and "Usu-zukuri" techniques.
Museum Collections: Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK), Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA), Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Tokoname Ceramic Art Museum, INAX Live Museum, and others. Notably, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London houses his Neriage works, solidifying his international artistic status.
Period of Creation: Early 1980s (Based on the inscription on the box)
Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks; features a vintage patina)
Accessories: Original signed paper box (with inscription from Ginza Seikado, May 1985)
Material: Pottery (Tokoname Ware / Neriage)
Dimensions: Mouth diameter approx. 5.3 cm, Height approx. 6.3 cm
Note: Please note that all products provided by our store, even if 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.
