We are pleased to introduce a Sometsuke (underglaze blue) landscape-patterned Bajouhai (high-footed cup) by Taishima Tosho (real name: Shigeo Taishima, born 1940), a certified Traditional Craftsman of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki known as one of Kyoto’s leading masters in the fields of design and overglaze painting. Mr. Taishima graduated from the Ceramics Department of Kyoto Municipal Fushimi Technical High School in 1959 and completed the Ceramic Design course at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Vocational Training School in 1968. This specialized education as a designer forms the bedrock of his creative work. His receipt of the Kyoto Ceramic Design Protection Association Chairman's Award at the inaugural Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki Exhibition in 1977 serves as public recognition that he is a rare artist who possesses the sensibilities of an original designer, not merely a technician.
The greatest value in this piece lies in the fusion of Mr. Taishima’s highly developed spatial composition skills and his refined brushwork in manipulating gosu (cobalt blue pigment). The surface depicts a traditional East Asian landscape pattern using classical perspective, encapsulating a vast, expansive natural scenery within the confined space of a small Bajouhai cup. While Mr. Taishima is widely renowned as a master of overglaze gold painting, the lavishness of his work is supported by a solid foundation of technical skills, such as the unwavering lines and the nuanced blue gradations achieved through the dami (shading) technique seen here. The Sometsuke, gleaming under a translucent glaze, exhibits a flawless finish that reflects the pride of a professional designer.
In terms of form, the piece adopts the dignified Bajouhai style, historically used by nobles to enjoy sake on horseback, characterized by the elegant and refined silhouette typical of Kyo-yaki. Distinct from the rustic textures of other regions, the sophisticated porcelain texture and thin-walled form directly convey the temperature and delicate nuances of the sake the moment it touches the lips. Given the perfection of its design and high functionality, we propose this piece as a tasting glass for savoring amber Japanese whiskey or long-aged sake with complex layers of aromatic components.
In Kyoto’s traditional system of specialized labor, the work of Taishima Tosho—who has reached the pinnacle of both design and finishing—is the quintessence of Kyo-yaki’s precision beauty. In the international market, Sometsuke works by an artist with such a prestigious academic background, official accolades, and technical accuracy are extremely rare. The Tosho mark on the bottom of the vessel represents the pride of an artist celebrated as a symbol of Kyoto’s design protection. We invite you to enjoy a supreme drinking experience with this small work of art, whether during a sophisticated evening drink or a tranquil moment of appreciation.
- Artist: Taishima Tosho (real name: Shigeo Taishima, 1940–)
- Notable Career: [1959] Graduated from Kyoto Municipal Fushimi Technical High School, Ceramics Dept. [1968] Completed the Ceramic Design course at Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Vocational Training School. [1977] Received the Kyoto Ceramic Design Protection Association Chairman's Award at the 1st Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki Exhibition. [1985] Received the Kyoto Prefectural Governor's Award. [1993] Certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry.
- Production Period: Late 1980s – 1990s
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks, minor signs of age)
- Accessories: Original wooden box (Tomobako), leaflet, wrapping cloth
- Material: Porcelain (Kyo-yaki Sometsuke)
- Dimensions: Height: approx. 8.5 cm, Rim diameter: approx. 6.0 cm
- Note: All items offered by our store, even if unused, are from an older production period and are listed as used items. Please understand and acknowledge that items may have age-related wear before considering a purchase.
