We are pleased to introduce a Shudei Neriage Genshinsai sake set by Yohei Konishi (born 1941), a modern master who stands at the pinnacle of contemporary Tokoname ware and was designated a holder of Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property in 2013. Konishi's artistry has earned global recognition, including a silver prize at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France in 1982, and his works are held in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in England and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States. This piece is a masterpiece from his mature period in the 1980s to early 1990s, where his self-taught and refined neriage technique, built upon traditional Tokoname ware methods, harmonizes with the intricate sculptural beauty achieved through a hand-turned potter's wheel.
The core essence of this work lies in the neriage technique, which involves layering clays of different colors on a base of shudei (vermilion clay), the symbol of Tokoname ware, to create patterns. The flowing, geological-strata-like curves visible in the accompanying images are not drawn on the surface; rather, they emerge from the layers of clay itself, penetrating the thickness of the vessel. Konishi's neriage goes beyond mere color blending; by perfectly controlling the shrinkage rate of the clay, he creates complex geometric patterns where intricate lines, millimeters in scale, intersect. This technique produces unique, one-of-a-kind patterns, making each piece a singular artistic encounter. The fact that works using this same technique are held in the Victoria and Albert Museum eloquently speaks to the universal artistic value of this piece.
In terms of form, the transcendent skill of the hand-turned potter's wheel, a reason for his designation as an Intangible Cultural Property, is fully displayed. Especially noteworthy are the extremely constricted neck of the sake bottle (tokkuri) and the thinly crafted (usuzukuri) finish seen in the sake cups (sakazuki), a realm uniquely mastered by Konishi. The usuzukuri technique, where clay is stretched to its limit with only the sensation of the fingertips, imparts astonishing lightness and a pleasant feel to the mouth of the vessel, embodying the beauty of utility in craftwork. Furthermore, the coloration on the surface, called Genshinsai, imbues the characteristic subdued reddish-brown of shudei with deep shading. It possesses the inherent charm of Tokoname ware, which develops a richer luster with use and grows with its owner.
We propose this elegant sake set, originally crafted for Japanese sake, as a special vessel for enjoying aged whiskey or brandy. When liquid touches the inside of the vessel, the subtle clay patterns created by the neriage technique deepen their contours through the liquid. The weight of time held by amber spirits resonates with the vessel's design, reminiscent of geological strata. The temperature of the liquid conveyed by the ultra-thin sake cup nestled in one's palm, and the rhythm of the clay that Yohei Konishi dedicated his life to creating, will elevate the simple act of drinking into a thoughtful tasting experience, appreciating the pinnacle of human artistry and the harmony of nature.
- Artist: Yohei Konishi (born 1941)
- Artist's Notable Activities: [1982] Received a silver prize at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France, [2013] Designated a holder of Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property. Regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association.
- Works Held In: Victoria and Albert Museum (UK), Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA), Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, INAX Live Museum, and others.
- Period of Production: 1980s – Early 1990s
- Condition: Very good (no chips or cracks)
- Accessories: Tomobako (original signed wooden box), Shiori (informational brochure), Wrapping cloths (2 pieces)
- Material: Ceramics (Tokoname Ware, Neriage)
- Dimensions: Sake Bottle (Tokkuri): Height approx. 13.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.3 cm / Sake Cup (Sakazuki): Height approx. 6.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.0 cm
- Note: Even if the items we offer are new and unused, they are from a very old production period, and all are listed as used items. The products may have damage due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and checking.
