This piece is a nerikomi work by the master Yusuke Aida (1931-2015), who led Japan's modern craft design movement and established an international reputation. With a diameter of approximately 6.6 cm and a height of approximately 6.2 cm, this vessel fits comfortably in the hand. We propose it as a premium large shot glass or small rocks glass for aged spirits, to enjoy the deep, rich aroma and dense flavor of vintage liquor, which has taken on a beautiful amber hue over time. The time spent savoring aged spirits from this vessel, with its overwhelming modernism as an art piece and its architectural functional beauty, will be a supremely luxurious experience for international collectors and discerning guests alike.
The artist, Yusuke Aida, studied urban planning at Chiba University, then apprenticed under the renowned potter Ken Miyanohara. He then moved to the United States, where he served as an instructor at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and as chief designer for prominent ceramic companies. In 1968, he achieved a global triumph by winning the gold prize at the Concorso Internazionale della Ceramica d'Arte di Faenza in Italy. He held important positions such as Chairman of the Japan Craft Design Association and committee member of the Design Promotion Council of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and also served as President of Tohoku University of Art and Design. He is known not only for indoor vessels but also as a pioneer of monumental environmental ceramics integrated with urban plazas and buildings. Since his regrettable sudden death in 2015, all works available on the market are precious legacies with no new supply, making them extremely rare as top-class Japanese designer crafts, with information largely unobtainable overseas.
The most highly regarded technique in Yusuke Aida's pottery is the nerikomi technique, which involves meticulously combining different colored clays to create geometric patterns. Since multiple clays have different shrinkage rates during firing, even a slight miscalculation can cause cracks or firing tears in the kiln, making this a highly difficult technique that requires extremely advanced blending skills and strict temperature control. It was precisely because of his background in urban planning and architecture that he achieved the pinnacle of modern craft, creating sharp designs such as stripes and mosaics through the very structure of the clay, rather than by drawing patterns on the surface.
A detailed examination of this work reveals that these characteristics are clearly and beautifully expressed in this vessel. The surface of the vessel exhibits the intricate geometric layers characteristic of Yusuke Aida's signature nerikomi technique, where the orderly striped patterns woven from different colored clays balance a cool, calculated beauty with the warmth of handcrafted work. The form, finished into smooth curves by throwing on the wheel, shines beautifully when sake is poured and conveys an urban sophistication when held. The bottom of the vessel is engraved with a sign indicating it is an authentic piece made at his Oshino kiln. Although it is offered without a box and as the main body only, it is in very good condition with no chips or cracks. This is a special item of undeniable value, a first-class collector's piece that captivates lovers of modern art and design worldwide.
- Artist: Yusuke Aida (1931-2015)
- Artist's Major Activities: [1956] Apprenticed under Mr. Ken Miyanohara, [1968] Won gold prize at the Concorso Internazionale della Ceramica d'Arte di Faenza in Italy, [1972] Director of the Japan Designer Craftsmen Association, [1976] Chairman of the Japan Craft Design Association, [1986] Committee member of the Design Promotion Council of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, [1991] Director of the Japan Architectural Art and Craft Association, [1992] Professor at the Faculty of Art, Tohoku University of Art and Design, [1993] Received the Design Achievement Award, [1998] President of Tohoku University of Art and Design, [2002] Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University of Art and Design, [2006] Visiting Professor at Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts
- Works in Collections: International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza (Italy), public art walls and monuments in various locations nationwide, etc.
- Production Period: 1980s-1990s (estimated, produced during the heyday of Japanese modern craft design)
- Product Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: None (Piece only)
- Material: Ceramic (Nerikomi)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 6.2 cm, Diameter approx. 6.6 cm
- Note: Although the products we offer may be unused new items, they are from a very old production period and are all listed as used items. Please understand and confirm that the product may have damage due to age before considering purchase.
