This is an exceptionally elegant Iroe-Kinsai (overglaze enamel painting with gold accents) Yunomi tea bowl, representing the absolute pinnacle of classic Kyoto elegance, meticulously crafted by the grand master of Kiyomizu ware, Makuu Hayashi (1901–1991, real name: Yoshikazu Hayashi). The artist is widely recognized among elite collectors as an extremely rare individual whose works are seldom found within the Japanese secondary market or domestic digital archives. This extreme rarity is due to his unwavering lifelong commitment to working completely independently without ever aligning himself with major Japanese art establishments such as the Nitten Exhibition, combined with his extensive mid-century production of bespoke pieces direct-exported to overseas trading houses, notably in Hawaii, both before and after World War II.
Our gallery proudly presents this rare, historically significant masterpiece by a legendary artisan, not merely as an everyday utilitarian vessel, but as a supreme expression of Japanese Kōgei. It is specifically curated to serve as a premium sake cup for savoring rare vintage and aged sakes that have developed a profound complexity and rich character over decades of cellaring. The comfortable, organic proportion that nestles perfectly within the palm of your hand and its deliberate depth are beautifully designed to gently capture and concentrate the volatile, opulent aromas of mature spirits, creating a deeply luxurious sensory experience that delights both the eye and the palate.
Makuu Hayashi's most historically celebrated achievements lie in his exquisite mastery of overglaze enameling, which directly inherits the grand classical traditions of the legendary historical potters Ogata Kenzan and Nonomura Ninsei, along with his revolutionary color expressions utilizing traditional Japanese mineral pigments and Kochi glazes set against a low-temperature red-flame translucent glaze that he independently developed in 1928. This specific vessel beautifully demonstrates these exceptional techniques, adorned with the bird motif that the master favored above all else. The "Oosuzume" (modeled after the Red-flanked bluetail) depicted on the front facing of the cup utilizes a pristine, piercingly vivid cobalt Japanese mineral pigment, with incredibly precise brushwork that beautifully captures the dynamic vitality of life. Furthermore, sophisticated gold leaf detailing is layered over deep black enamels around the bird's face and across the primary feathers, retaining the imperial elegance of traditional Kiyomizu ware while simultaneously elevating the composition into a sharp, modern graphic design reminiscent of mid-century Western fine art.
Another exceptional highlight of this piece extends beyond the surface painting to showcase the sublime, organic fusion of clay and kiln fire throughout the entire vessel body. Observing the reverse and side profiles of the cup, one can discern delicate pink speckles, historically known as "higaawari" (accidental kiln fire transformations), gently blushing through the fine crackled cream-white glaze base. Although the piece is technically crafted from fine porcelain, this breathing organic phenomenon beautifully evokes the material warmth and aesthetic depth unique to traditional Kyoto pottery, entirely distinguishing the object from cold, sterile commercial wares. On the underside of the foot rim, Makuu's authentic signature, inheriting the artistic lineage of his historical studio "Isshian," is boldly and sharply incised with a master's spatula. The exterior lid of the accompanying dedicated wooden box (Tomobako), which has safely protected the artwork for decades, bears the artist's personal, fluid calligraphy titled "Oosuzume Yunomi" along with his signature and official vermilion seal (rakkan)—an absolute certification of provenance that fully guarantees its reliability, authenticity, and profound historical collection value. We invite you to experience the absolute zenith of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, a rarity virtually nonexistent in international markets, alongside your finest spirits.
- Artist: Makuu Hayashi (1901–1991, Birth name: Yoshikazu Hayashi)
- Artist's Notable Activities: [1916] Studied the core fundamentals of ceramic arts under his biological father, the master potter Shozan Hayashi; [1921] Entered "Gojodo," the highly exclusive purveyor to the Imperial Household Ministry, where he thoroughly acquired advanced imperial porcelain manufacturing techniques; [1932] Studied under Kiyomizu Rokubei V, the undisputed titan of modern Kyoto ceramic arts (until 1936); [1948] Formally certified as a "Holder of Traditional Craft Techniques" by the Kyoto Prefectural Government for his outstanding contributions to cultural preservation
- Museum Collections: Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, and other prominent public fine art institutions
- Period of Production: Circa 1950s–1970s (Mid-Showa era)
- Product Condition: Very Good (pristine archival condition with no chips or cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako (Original wooden box signed and sealed by the artist)
- Material: Porcelain (Porcelain body featuring colored clay slip and fine gold leaf decoration)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 8.9 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 8.1 cm
- Note: Please be advised that all historical works curated by our gallery, even if unused, originate from a historic production era and are strictly categorized as antique/pre-owned fine art. Vintage objects may display subtle age-related nuances; we kindly invite you to consider your purchase with a full understanding of the unique character of antique Japanese ceramics.
