Introducing a bajohai (stem cup) by Shinya Matsuura, who was born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1960 and possesses an impressive resume, 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 studied under Isokichi Asakura, a master of Kutani ware who received the Order of Culture and was a member of the Japan Art Academy. Mr. Matsuura was certified as a Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association in 2001 and received the highest New Artist Award at the 54th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 2007 for his work "Yuri-kinsai Bowl." He is a talented contemporary artist who combines traditional Kutani ware techniques with a strong foundation in fine art. Our store proposes this beautiful craft piece 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 this piece's design reveals a pictorial world where Mr. Matsuura's precise technique and unique spatial composition are fully demonstrated on the entire surface of the bajohai, a dignified classical form (a high-footed sake vessel). Three "windows" are constructed using the traditional waritori (divided pattern) technique, which beautifully divides the surface of the vessel. Within each section, three completely different scenes are depicted entirely by hand: a meticulously drawn rich natural landscape, a dynamic hawk (bird) soaring high towards the sky, and a figure quietly standing and deeply seated in the midst of nature. While inheriting the gene of the profound color design through colored glazes and overglaze enamel (Iroe), which is a hallmark of his mentor, Isokichi Asakura, the sophisticated compositional balance unique to Mr. Matsuura, who specialized in oil painting during his university days, harmonizes beautifully with the elegant silhouette of this high-footed vessel.
The moment amber aged sake or Japanese whisky is poured into this bajohai, the dignified colors of the overglaze enamel applied both inside and outside the vessel and the brilliance of the fine liquor blend through the liquid. Along with the smooth porcelain texture that transmits to the palm, this creates a supreme tasting experience that satisfies both sight and touch. This piece comes complete with a tomobako (original wooden box signed and sealed by the artist), an official sealed wrapping cloth, and a leaflet (artist's biography) 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 definitively attest to its authenticity and artistic value. Please fully enjoy this pinnacle of Japanese traditional craftsmanship, unattainable overseas, in your daily special seat for appreciating fine beverages.
- Artist: Shinya Matsuura (1960–present)
- Artist's Representative Career: Full member of the Japan Crafts Council. Studied under Ikko Asakura, a master of Kutani ware and recipient of the Order of Culture. Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art, Department of Fine Arts, specializing in oil painting, and the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center. Recipient of awards including the Excellence Award and Technical Award at the Traditional Kutani Ware Craft Exhibition, the Hokkoku Shimbun Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Craft Exhibition, and the highest New Artist Award at the 54th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 2007. Highly regarded as a leading talented artist in the contemporary Kutani ware world.
- Production Period: Circa 2007-2010 (estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original box (with artist's handwritten signature and seal), wrapping cloth, leaflet (artist's biography)
- Material: Porcelain (Kutani ware, overglaze enamel)
- Dimensions: Mouth diameter approx. 5.4 cm, height approx. 8.7 cm
- Note: Even if new and unused, all items offered by our store are very old productions and are listed as used. Please understand and confirm that items may have age-related damage before considering purchase.
