A master of Mino ware, Hidetake Ando (1938–2024) dedicated his life to ceramic art as the fifth-generation head of the prestigious Sentaro Kiln, which has continued since the Edo period in Ichinokura-cho, Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture. Recognized as a holder of Gifu Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property for Kizeto ware, he was a leading figure in contemporary Mino ceramics whose creations are held in the collections of major museums, including the National Crafts Museum (formerly Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo) and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. Hidetake Ando is most highly acclaimed for his advanced technique and rigorous firing control that revived the style of Momoyama-period Mino ceramics in the modern era, skillfully reproducing the vitality of ancient pottery not only in Kizeto but also in Shino and Oribe wares. Our shop presents this heavy, dignified set—originally created as a traditional pair of Meoto Yunomi (pair tea cups)—to the global market as a pair of luxury Japanese rocks glasses (pair of free cups) for quietly savoring aged amber sake or matured whisky straight or over large ice cubes together.
Shino ware is known as the first white-glazed ceramic in Japan to utilize feldspar glaze, characterized by the milk-white warmth brought by thick glaze application and the expressive scenery that emerges through firing. Carefully examining the details of this work reveals a cylindrical form crafted with subtle size variation, generously coated in milk-white feldspar glaze that exudes a dignified, heavy texture. Tiny pinholes characteristic of Shino glaze, known as "yuzu-hada" (citrus-skin texture), appear densely across the entire vessel, extending to its interior, while a charming plum blossom motif—a traditional Shino design—gracefully floats on the body as a reserve pattern. Furthermore, brilliant orange fire marks ("hi-iro" / scarlet markings)—caused by oxidation reactions inside the kiln during firing—appear in a lovely gradation around the rim, lower body, and near the base, creating a magnificent natural beauty through the contrast between the white feldspar glaze and the fire markings. Its moderate thickness and palm-fitting cylindrical structure provide excellent heat insulation, serving as a perfect stage for experiencing the deep flavor of aged spirits and the resonant sound of ice through all five senses.
Regarding the period of production, taking his peak era after being designated a holder of Gifu Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property for Kizeto in 1998—when his artistic style reached complete maturity—as a basis, it is estimated to be an authentic work created between 1998 and the 2010s. With Hidetake Ando's passing in February 2024, the creation of new works has completely ceased, establishing its enduring value as a legacy of a master who supported the golden age of Mino ceramics. The vessels themselves have no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in their glaze coloration, citrus-skin texture, and appearance of fire marks. The set arrives in complete condition, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed on the lid with "Shino Yunomi" in ink and stamped with Hidetake's red seal.
- Artist: Hidetake Ando (1938–2024)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1974] First selected for the 21st Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition; [1995] Won the Japan Art Crafts Association Encouragement Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition; [1998] Designated as a holder of Gifu Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property for "Kizeto"; [2003] Received the Japan Ceramic Society Award; [2013] Commended for Regional Cultural Merit (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award)
- Works Housed In: National Crafts Museum (formerly Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo), Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Tajimi City Mino Ware Museum, etc.
- Period of Production: Circa 1998–2010s (Estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako included
- Material: Pottery (Mino ware, Shino, plum blossom motif)
- Dimensions: (Large) Height approx. 10.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.0 cm / (Small) Height approx. 9.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.5 cm
- Caution: All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
