We are proud to present an exceptionally rare Shudei Neriage Genshinsai guinomi by Yohei Konishi, a contemporary master who stands at the pinnacle of modern Tokoname ware and was certified as a holder of Tokoname City Designated Intangible Cultural Property in 2013. Konishi's artistry has achieved global recognition, with his works publicly held in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the US, following his silver prize win at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France in 1982. This piece is a masterpiece from his most energetic and mature period, spanning the 1980s to the early 1990s, where his unique neriage technique—developed through self-study and refined atop traditional Tokoname ware methods—converges with the intricate sculptural beauty achieved by a hand-turned pottery wheel. Our store offers this supreme Japanese craftwork, possessing a verified history and global acclaim, as a vintage premium sake vessel for savoring aged amber spirits or premium Japanese whisky neat.
At the core of Yohei Konishi's artistic value, and what experts most highly praise, is his unique neriage technique based on shudei (red clay), the symbol of Tokoname ware, where different colored clays are layered repeatedly to create patterns, along with his ultimate thin-walled construction achieved by a hand-turned pottery wheel. Konishi's neriage is not merely a superficial mixing of colors; by perfectly controlling clays with different compositions and shrinkage rates down to the millimeter, he creates complex and fluid geometric patterns that penetrate the thickness of the vessel. This technique results in a once-in-a-lifetime art where no two patterns are ever the same due to the chemical reaction between fire and clay in the kiln. The fact that works using this technique are housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK eloquently testifies to its universal beauty. Furthermore, the thin-walled construction, where clay is stretched to its limit using only the artist's fingertips, gives the vessel astonishing lightness and a pleasant feel to the mouth, embodying the ultimate in functional beauty in craftsmanship.
A detailed professional analysis of the design of this piece confirms that the unparalleled skill and aesthetic sense, synonymous with this master, are clearly evident across the entire surface of this small guinomi. The vessel's surface powerfully and precisely displays laminated neriage lines that beautifully undulate in conjunction with the rotation of the hand-turned pottery wheel, evoking the fluid strata or annual rings of nature. This pattern completely penetrates to the inside, allowing the clay pattern to emerge more vividly through the liquid when sake is poured. Additionally, the surface coloring, called Genshinsai, exhibits deep and delicate shades within the calm reddish-brown characteristic of shudei, possessing the inherent charm of Tokoname ware to mature and gain luster with use. The form of the rim, finished to an extreme thinness, dramatically enhances the tasting experience the moment premium spirits touch the lips.
This piece comes with the artist's handwritten signature and seal on the accompanying wooden box, as well as the wrapping cloth, indicating a genuine and authentic condition. However, a noticeable scuff (scratch) is observed on the inner bottom, so we offer it at a special price as a "B-stock" item with a history befitting its vintage status. When liquid touches the inside of the vessel, the weight of time held by the amber liquor and the design of the vessel reminiscent of geological strata beautifully resonate. Please fully enjoy a thoughtful evening drink, appreciating the pinnacle of human artistry while directly feeling the rhythm of the clay that Yohei Konishi devoted his life to creating, right in the palm of your hand.
- Artist: Yohei Konishi (1941- )
- Artist's Major Career Highlights: [1982] Awarded Silver Prize at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale, France; [2013] Certified as a holder of Tokoname City Designated Intangible Cultural Property. Regular Member of the Japan Craft Arts Association.
- Works Held In: Victoria and Albert Museum (UK), Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA), Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, INAX Live Museum, and others.
- Production Period: 1980s - early 1990s (estimated, mature period)
- Condition: B-Stock (no chips, no cracks, noticeable scuff on inner bottom)
- Accessories: Original wooden box, wrapping cloth
- Material: Ceramic (Tokoname ware, neriage, shudei, genshinsai)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 5.5 cm, Diameter approx. 5.9 cm
- Note: All items offered by our store, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used goods. Items may have damage due to age; please understand and confirm before considering purchase.
