Born in 1941 in Noto (Uzitsu, Noto Town), Ishikawa Prefecture, Seppo Iida, the head of Hokuto Kiln, entered the world of ceramics drawing upon the sense of form he cultivated during his youth studying flower arrangement (kagei). He established his own unique ceramic techniques under the guidance of Makoto Yabe (a lecturer at the University of Alaska), as well as senior masters in Kutani including Shohachi Yoshida (a Niten Special Selection artist) and Sakujiro Nakajo (former director of the Seto Ceramic Center). In 1974, he established Hokuto Kiln in Honda-machi, Kanazawa City—the former site of the Kaga Domain's senior retainer residence. In 1984, he founded Hokuto Co., Ltd. and assumed the position of representative director, and in 2015, he was awarded the Kanazawa Cultural Activity Award in recognition of his many years of promoting craft arts. Our shop presents this Tenmoku sake vessel, steeped in Kanazawa’s rich history and refined craftsmanship, to the global market not only for matcha and tea ceremonies, but also as a vintage sake vessel (Japanese Ochoko / Guinomi) for slowly savoring amber aged sake (koshu) or matured Japanese sake overflowing with rich umami over time.
This creation represents the perfect realization of "precise flame operation and crystalline glaze control using a kerosene kiln," Seppo Iida’s most renowned specialty highly praised by scholars and ceramic masters alike. On the surface of the elegant Tenmoku-shaped cup, which gracefully opens from the foot to the rim, minute oil spots (oil spot crystals) emitting golden and silver metallic iridescence emerge densely across the jet-black background without a single gap. This is achieved through an extraordinarily difficult technique that requires adjusting oxidation and reduction flames millimeter by millimeter in a kerosene kiln to crystallize and fix the iron content within the glaze during high-temperature firing. Toward the interior base (mikomi), the crystals shimmer like golden stardust alongside light reflections; when sake is poured, the liquid and light reflect irregularly, creating a landscape akin to a profound microcosm. From the foot ring extending to the lower slope, the fine, unglazed white clay body is cleanly carved, and the artist's seal "Setsu" (雪) is clearly stamped inside the foot, offering a sophisticated contrast between the heavy dignity of the Tenmoku glaze and the elegant unglazed clay.
Regarding the period of production, this work is identified as an authentic piece from his mature period created between 1985 and 1995, following the establishment of Hokuto Co., Ltd. in 1984, when his reduction firing technique for oil spot Tenmoku glaze in a kerosene kiln reached completion and was presented across numerous exhibitions. The vessel itself has no chips or cracks, maintaining an exceptionally beautiful condition in both crystal coloration and luster. It arrives as a complete set, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed in ink on the lid "Oil Spot Tenmoku Glaze Sake Cup, Seppo" with a red seal stamped by the artist.
The artist is Seppo Iida (Kiln: Hokuto Kiln), born in 1941, whose major career milestones include establishing the Hokuto Ceramic Workshop in 1974, founding Hokuto Co., Ltd. in 1984, and receiving the Kanazawa Cultural Activity Award in 2015. The period of production is circa 1985 to 1995, and the condition is very good with no chips or cracks. It comes with a dedicated Tomobako (wooden box), made of stoneware (oil spot Tenmoku glaze, Tenmoku shape, stamped seal), with dimensions of height approx. 4.3 cm and diameter approx. 7.0 cm. Please note that all products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused, and we ask that you consider purchasing after understanding and verifying details regarding age-related wear.
- Artist： Seppo Iida (1941–)
- Artist's Key Activities： [1974] Participated in the opening of the Hokuto Cultural Center Ceramic Workshop; [1984] Founded Hokuto Co., Ltd. and assumed position as Representative Director; [2015] Received the Kanazawa Cultural Activity Award
- Works Housed In： Numerous public art pieces and ceramic monuments (Ceramic wall of the Kanaiwa Sea, facade of the Prefectural Housing Estate Assembly Hall, etc.)
- Period of Production： Circa 1985–1995
- Condition： Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories： Dedicated Tomobako (wooden box), wrapping cloth, biography leaflet included
- Material： Stoneware (Oil spot Tenmoku glaze, Tenmoku shape, stamped seal)
- Dimensions： Height approx. 4.3 cm, Diameter approx. 7.0 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.
