This is an akaji kinran unryu-mon bajohai (red-ground gold brocade cloud dragon stem cup) by Hogaku Yamamoto, a master of modern Kutani ware based in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. With its elegant proportions of approximately 10.0 cm in height and 6.0 cm in mouth diameter, we propose this stem cup as a special tasting glass for enjoying the profound aromas of aged sake and long-aged sake, which have matured into a beautiful amber color over time. The shape of the stem cup, with its slender stem, prevents body temperature from the hand from affecting the sake, allowing the complex aromatic changes of aged sake, from chilled to room temperature, to be captured in perfect condition. Furthermore, the white porcelain on the inside of the vessel clearly reflects the deep and beautiful gradation of aged sake, creating a supremely luxurious bar time that satisfies all five senses. This vessel, which elevates the highest level of Japanese traditional craftsmanship into practical art for modern lifestyles, promises a moment of supreme hospitality for overseas collectors and special guests.
Hogaku Yamamoto, the artist, was born in 1960 and is a genius potter who elevated the technique of Akae Saibyo, which flourished during the Meiji period but then saw a drastic decrease in successors and was becoming a phantom technique, to the highest level in modern times. As the greatest historical fact symbolizing his outstanding technical skill and artistry, in 1985 he was honored with the unparalleled privilege of humbly crafting and presenting an Akae Saibyo Kiku-Kiri-Ho-o-mon Sencha-wan (fine-line chrysanthemum, paulownia, and phoenix design sencha bowl) to His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, who is now the Emperor Emeritus. Thereafter, he solidified his position as the pinnacle of akae in modern Kutani, receiving an honorable mention at the 54th Issuikai Pottery Exhibition in 1992 and being nationally certified as a Kutani ware traditional craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry in 1996. His works are deeply housed in prestigious public institutions in Japan, such as the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, the Ishikawa Kutani-yaki Art Museum, and the Kutani Ware Kiln Ruins Exhibition Hall, and are extremely highly valued collector's items that are rarely available overseas.
What is most highly regarded in Hogaku Yamamoto's art is his Akae Saibyo technique, which uses ultra-fine lines of 0.1 mm or less, described as micro-drawing lines beyond human vision. This work is a special top-tier piece estimated to have been produced during his mature period from the 2000s to 2010s, when his technique was most stable after his certification as a traditional craftsman. It represents his characteristic style, in which his ultimate Akae Saibyo and dazzlingly brilliant gold decoration achieve a miraculous harmony.
A detailed examination of this work reveals that these superlative techniques are clearly and perfectly expressed across the entire surface of this small stem cup. The intricate background pattern covering the surface of the vessel is meticulously drawn with breathtakingly fine and uniform red ultra-fine lines, upon which the powerfully depicted cloud dragon motif emerges with overwhelming dynamism. The exquisitely rendered dragon scales and flowing clouds in gold decoration emit a luxurious shimmer like a kaleidoscope depending on the angle of the light, directly conveying the supreme dignity of modern Kutani ware to the beholder. At the bottom, Hogaku's signature, indicating its authenticity, is beautifully inscribed. The dedicated tomobako (wooden box) with the artist's own inscription and seal, a wrapping cloth, and a booklet showing his detailed pottery chronology are all included. This is a complete piece in very good condition with no chips or cracks, an exceptional item with unwavering asset value as the ultimate Japanese craft art, extremely difficult to encounter overseas.
- Artist: Hogaku Yamamoto (1960-)
- Artist's significant career highlights: Inherited the "Akae Saibyo" technique, which flourished during the Meiji period but saw a drastic decrease in successors, to the highest modern level. [1985] Humbly crafted and presented an "Akae Saibyo Kiku-Kiri-Ho-o-mon Sencha-wan" to His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (now Emperor Emeritus), [1992] Received an Honorable Mention at the 54th Issuikai Pottery Exhibition, [1996] Certified as a Kutani ware traditional craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry (now Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry). His extremely precise technique is regarded as the pinnacle of Akae in modern Kutani.
- Works housed: Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Ishikawa Kutani-yaki Art Museum, Kutani Ware Kiln Ruins Exhibition Hall, among others.
- Production period: 2000s to 2010s (estimated to be a work from his mature period after being certified as a traditional craftsman). *The "Akaji Kinran Unryu-mon" of this work is a representative style of Hogaku's mature period, where his exceptional technique and artistry reached their peak, showcasing a perfect harmony between intricate fine-line drawing with ultra-fine lines of 0.1 mm or less and brilliant gold decoration.
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Tomobako (wooden box), wrapping cloth, artist's profile insert
- Material: Pottery (Kutani ware - Akaji Kinrande - Gold decoration)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 10.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.0 cm
- Note: All products offered by our store, even if new and unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used items. Products may have damage due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and confirming their condition.
