This is a Yohen Tenmoku three-legged incense burner by third-generation Heian Sokyu, Birth name Yoshizo Kubo (1913-1989), a master craftsman who connected the tradition of Kyoyaki to the present day and inscribed his name in the history of pottery, bringing the aesthetics of national treasures back to life in the modern era. Yoshizo Kubo was born in Kyoto in 1913 as the eldest son of a potter family. Building on the legitimate Kyoyaki techniques inherited from the first and second Sokyu generations, he dedicated his entire life to reproducing Yohen Tenmoku, a lost legendary technique whose production method was thought to have been completely lost since it was first fired in China's Jian ware kilns during the Southern Song Dynasty in the 12th century. There are only three complete Yohen Tenmoku pieces in the world, all designated as National Treasures of Japan (owned by Seikado Bunko Art Museum, Fujita Museum, and Ryoko-in Temple). The iridescent glow on the jet-black glaze is said to capture the abyss of the universe, making it the Holy Grail of the pottery world, coveted by warlords throughout history. Challenging this divine realm that was deemed impossible to reproduce, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Prime Minister's Award, the highest honor for all artisans, for his Yohen Tenmoku work at the 25th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1978. This award was not merely an artistic evaluation; it signified the nation's official recognition of the historical fact that the lost light of Yohen, after 800 years, had been scientifically and artistically reproduced through modern wisdom and perseverance.
This piece is a three-legged incense burner housing a Yohen of national treasure quality, truly demonstrating the technical pinnacle of the third generation's ceramic career. Yohen, where iridescent or rainbow-colored crystals emerge like stars on the glaze due to accidental effects of the flame within the tenmoku glaze (black glaze), is considered the ultimate gem in pottery. He strictly classified his own works: those with fluid blue or white crystals were called Tenmoku Yohen and cherished as beauty found in everyday use. In contrast, only his confident masterpieces, which represented his technical peak with perfect crystals and iridescent glow appearing vividly like stars in the night sky, were given the designation of Yohen Tenmoku. The tomobako (storage box) for this piece is inscribed with Yohen Tenmoku by the third generation himself with unwavering pride, eloquently attesting that this is an authentic piece of the highest caliber among his existing works. His skill was officially established, as evidenced by receiving the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays (Fifth Class), in 1984. The fact that his works are housed in major museums such as the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, suggests that this piece will acquire even greater historical value in the future.
In terms of design, it adopts the three-legged (hakama-goshi) shape, which has been considered the highest grade for ritual vessels since ancient times, and features an intricately openwork-carved hoya (lid). The glaze covering the entire ultimate body, approximately 13 cm in height—a dimension where precise control of Yohen crystals is considered most difficult—emits a brilliant glow reminiscent of galaxy stars from the profound jet black. The visual effect, changing moment by moment with the angle of light, is truly worthy of being called a microcosm in hand. The bottom clearly bears the square seal of Sokyu, the authentic mark of the third generation. It has been carefully preserved as a flawless, perfect piece with its original box, maintaining the utmost excellent condition. Since his passing in 1989, no new Yohen Tenmoku works of this caliber have been created, making this piece an important legacy in the history of modern ceramics that inherits the soul of national treasures—a museum-quality treasure coveted by enthusiasts and investors worldwide. Savoring fine sake from a bygone era or rich Japanese whisky while gazing at this star-like shimmering iridescent kiln effect will be an exceptionally luxurious lifestyle, allowing one to fully enjoy the supreme tranquility achieved by traditional Japanese crafts.
- Artist: Heian Sokyu III, Birth name: Yoshizo Kubo (1913-1989)
- Representative Activities: Artist's Major Career Highlights: Reigned as the foremost authority on Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics from the 1930s to the 1990s. [1933] Inherited the family business and began activities as Heian Soku III, [1935] spent 17 years as a researcher at the National Ceramic Research Institute, engaging in research on ceramic production techniques and providing technical guidance to pottery factories, [1953] spent 15 years at the Kyoto Institute of Technology, dedicating efforts to ceramic education, mentoring future technicians, and conducting research, [1970] dispatched to the Republic of China for 5 years as a technical assistance officer for developing countries by the Japanese government, providing technical guidance to the country's ceramic industry and training its technicians while simultaneously conducting research on Eastern ceramics, held prestigious positions such as Advisor to the Union Industrial Research Institute, Republic of China, and Lecturer at the Chinese Culture College University, and thereafter concentrated on ceramic creation in Rakunan, Kyoto, [1978] received the Prime Minister's Award, the highest honor for all craft artists, at the 25th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, [1984] awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 5th Class.
- Published Works: [Around 1935-1952: Era as a Researcher at the National Ceramic Research Institute] Overview of Domestic Ceramic Raw Materials, [Around 1935-1952: Era as a Researcher at the National Ceramic Research Institute] Selected Collection of Ceramic Clay Blending, [Around 1970-1975: Era of Dispatch to the Republic of China (Taiwan)] Technical and Economic Status of the Taiwanese Ceramic Industry, [Around 1970-1975: Era of Dispatch to the Republic of China (Taiwan)] Ceramic Industry of Taiwan, [Around 1970-1975: Era of Dispatch to the Republic of China (Taiwan)] Current Status and Trends of Architectural Ceramics in Southeast Asian Countries, etc.
- Works in Collections: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (houses his Prime Minister's Award-winning work Yohen Tenmoku Bowl), The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (houses Aka-e Kin-sai Bowl and others), Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, The Museum of Kyoto, and others.
- Production Period: 1984-1989 (his very late period and golden age, after receiving the Prime Minister's Award and being recognized as an intangible cultural asset). *The Yohen Tenmoku of this piece is characterized by complex crystals and deep colors created by the accidental interplay of fire and glaze. This is a masterpiece symbolizing the golden age where the refined forms and techniques pursued by the artist, who stood at the pinnacle of Japan both in name and reality after winning the highest award, culminated in his final years.
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks, no scratches), [Authenticity Guaranteed]
- Date of Production: Circa 1984
- Accessories: Tomobako (wooden box with artist's handwritten signature, Yohen Tenmoku inscription, and seal), Wrapping cloth (with seal)
- Material: Ceramic (Kyoyaki, Yohen Tenmoku)
- Dimensions: Diameter approx. 10.3 cm, Height approx. 13.0 cm
- Note: All items we offer, even if new and unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used. Please understand that items may have age-related damage and consider this before purchasing.
