Hidetake Ando (1938-2024), a master of Mino ware, dedicated his life to pottery as the fifth-generation head of the Sentaro Kiln, a prestigious lineage in Ichinokura-cho, Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, dating back to the Edo period. Born in 1938, Ando passed away in February 2024, but his legacy is supported by achievements such as his certification as a holder of Gifu Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Property for "Kiseto" ware, and the acquisition of his works by the National Crafts Museum and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. Ando was most highly regarded for his technique of reviving the styles of Mino ceramics from the Momoyama period, particularly his unparalleled ability to reproduce the "aburaage-hada" (deep-fried tofu-like texture) in Kiseto ware. This Shino ware piece clearly reflects the rigorous fire control and profound insight into clay that Ando cultivated through his mastership of Kiseto.
Shino ware is known as the first white-glazed pottery in Japan to use feldspar glaze, characterized by iron-painted designs beneath a snow-white glaze. This piece showcases Ando's traditional characteristics at an exceptionally high level. The surface of the work exhibits the fine bubble marks unique to Shino, known as "yuzuhada" (citron skin), and the thick application of feldspar glaze gives it a substantial yet warm texture. Particularly noteworthy is the orange-red discoloration called "hi-iro" (fire color) seen around the rim and iron-painted areas. This phenomenon occurs when the iron content in the clay reacts with the glaze due to changes in oxygen levels and temperature in the kiln during firing. Ando's reliable technique established this as a natural landscape, without appearing contrived.
The iron painting on this work is expressed with a simple yet powerful brushwork reminiscent of ancient Shino ware from the Momoyama period, embodying the spirit of antique pottery that Ando aimed to achieve. Although the cylindrical form was originally made as a Shino teacup, its appropriate thickness, diameter, and the insulating properties unique to ceramics make it ideal as a Ceramic Whiskey Tumbler for enjoying aged spirits. The deep amber color of aged whisky shines against the white Shino glaze, and the sound of ice melting resonates against the thick ceramic walls, offering a multisensory experience that merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western aged spirits. With Ando's passing meaning no new works will ever be created, this piece continues to hold value as the legacy of a master craftsman who supported the golden age of Mino ware. Recognized by Japan's national museums, this vessel, a crystallization of refined aesthetic sense and skill, is not merely a tool but a fitting stage for savoring aged spirits as a consumable cultural artifact.
- Artist: Hidetake Ando (1938-2024)
- Artist's Major Career Highlights: [1974] First selected for the 21st Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, [1995] Received the Japan Kogei Association Encouragement Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, [1998] Certified as a holder of Gifu Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property "Kiseto," [2003] Received the Japan Ceramic Society Award, [2013] Awarded for Regional Cultural Contribution (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award)
- Works in Collections: National Crafts Museum (formerly Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo), Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Tajimi City Mino Ware Museum, etc.
- Production Period: 1998-2010s (estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original wooden box (Tomobako), Pamphlet
- Material: Ceramic (Mino ware, Shino ware)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 9.0cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.0cm
- Note: All items we offer, even if new and unused, are very old productions and are listed as used. Please understand that items may have age-related damage and consider this before purchasing.
