Matsuura Shinya (松浦慎弥), Recipient of the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition Award, Iroe Waritori Komon Chomon Bajohai, Japanese Kogei, Tasting Glass #243

We are pleased to introduce a stem cup (Bajohai) by Matsuura Shinya, who was born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1960 and possesses a solid career, having graduated from the Oil Painting Major of the Department of Fine Arts at Kanazawa College of Art and the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center. In 1986, he apprenticed under the master of Kutani ware, Isokichi Asakura, a recipient of the Order of Culture and a member of the Japan Art Academy. Mr. Matsuura was recognized as a Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association in 2001 and received the pinnacle New Artist Award at the 54th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 2007 for his work, "Yuri Kinsai Bowl." He is a contemporary and highly talented artist who beautifully combines traditional Kutani ware techniques with a strong foundation in fine art. Our store proposes this beautiful craftwork with a verified rating to the world as a special tasting glass (sake vessel) for slowly savoring aged sake or premium whisky neat.

A professional analysis of the design of this piece reveals it to be an extremely elaborate example of a stem cup (a high-footed sake vessel), a dignified classical form, with an intricate Iroe Waritori Komon (colored enamel divided patterns with fine geometric motifs) incorporating bird designs applied over its entire surface. Waritori is a traditional compositional method of dividing the vessel's surface into several sections. Within these sections, a delicate Komon technique of continuously drawing minute geometric patterns and lively bird motifs (Chomon) are expressed in a superb balance. The painterly spatial awareness and traditional Kutani colored enamel painting techniques, characteristic of Mr. Matsuura, who majored in oil painting during his university years, are beautifully integrated. The taut, straight lines of the high foot and the graceful curvature of the vessel body create a beautiful contrast. The meticulously drawn patterns and bird designs, executed without any compromise, eloquently attest to the artist's extremely high concentration and precise craftsmanship.

The moment amber-colored aged sake or whisky is poured into this stem cup, the Kutani enamels on the inside and outside of the vessel and the hues of the fine liquor complement each other. Along with the smooth texture of the porcelain transmitted to the palm, this creates a supreme tasting experience that satisfies both sight and touch. This piece comes complete with a wooden box signed and sealed by the artist, a wrapping cloth with an official seal, and a detailed brochure (artist's profile) from the time, meticulously documenting his brilliant career leading up to his New Artist Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 2007. These serve as definitive evidence guaranteeing its authenticity and artistic value. Please fully enjoy this crystallization of the highest level of Japanese traditional craftsmanship, which is unavailable overseas, in the privileged setting of your daily appreciation of fine liquor.

• Artist: Matsuura Shinya (松浦慎弥, 1960–present)
  
• Artist's Key Activities: Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association. Studied under Kutani ware master Isokichi Asakura, recipient of the Order of Culture. Graduated from the Oil Painting Major of the Department of Fine Arts, Kanazawa College of Art, and the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center. Received awards including the Excellent Work Award and Technical Award at the Traditional Kutani Ware Craft Exhibition, and the Hokkoku Shimbun Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 2007, he received the highest New Artist Award at the 54th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. He is highly regarded as a leading contemporary artist in the Kutani ware world.
  
• Period of Creation: Around 2007-2010 (estimated)
  
• Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
  
• Accessories: Tomobako (wooden box with artist's handwritten signature and seal), sealed wrapping cloth, brochure
  
• Material: Porcelain (Kutani ware, colored enamel)
  
• Dimensions: Diameter approx. 5.4 cm, height approx. 8.7 cm
  
• Note: Even if the products offered by our store are new and unused, they are from a very old production period, and all are listed as used items. Products may have damage due to age, so please understand and confirm before considering purchase.