Master Takegoshi Toshiaki (武腰敏昭, 1940–2021), a titan of contemporary Kutani ware who studied under the third-generation master Takegoshi Taizan III of the historic Taizan Kiln dating back to the late Edo period, and served as a Member of The Japan Art Academy and Executive Director of the Nitten. Takegoshi Fuyuki, Takegoshi Toshiaki's eldest son who inherited the fourth generation of the Taizan Kiln and received the prestigious NHK Chairman's Award, the highest accolade at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition. And Takeshi Yamachika (山近剛, 1930–2020), who served as President of the Sozo Bijutsu-kai (Creative Art Association) and was awarded the Prime Minister's Award at the 67th Sozo Exhibition. This rare, collaborative sake vessel set, titled "Iro-e Guinomi San (Three Colored Sake Cups)," was created through a joint effort by three renowned ceramic artists representing the Kutani pottery world of Nomi, Ishikawa Prefecture. The front of the lid on the accompanying paulownia wooden box (tomobako) bears the handwritten title "Iro-e Guinomi San," while the reverse side of the lid features the individual handwritten signatures and red seal stamps of "Toshi," "Fuyu," and "Takeshi" side by side. Based on the period when Takegoshi Toshiaki actively unveiled monumental works as a leading figure in Kutani ware, Fuyuki, as the fourth-generation master, emerged as a new leader of the Taizan Kiln, and Takeshi Yamachika mentored younger generations as President of Sozo Bijutsu-kai, this authentic work is identified as having been created between the early 2000s and c. 2010 (the late 1990s to early 2010s in the Heisei era) through their close friendship and rivalry of technique.
This set boasts magnificent individuality, encapsulating three completely distinct designs and techniques. The work by Takegoshi Toshiaki (softly colored floral motif) combines the gentle color expression the artist pioneered as a leading researcher of environmentally friendly lead-free overglaze pigments with the refined sketching strength of Japanese painting, allowing a delicate gradient of yellow and light blue to bloom with grace. The work by Takegoshi Fuyuki (black leaf and red berry motif), characteristic of an artist skilled in fusing ceramics with architecture and three-dimensional forms, presents a modern and graphic contemporary craft beauty through the bold contrast between the sharp silhouettes of black-glazed leaves and vivid red berries. The work by Takeshi Yamachika (blue dayflower motif) reflects Yamachika's signature style of affectionately depicting familiar wild flowers; rendered stroke by stroke with meticulous precision using vibrant traditional Kutani five-color overglaze pigments, the dayflowers exude a charming presence filled with vitality.
With comfortable dimensions measuring approx. 7.2 cm in mouth diameter and 4.8 cm in height each, possessing an ideal thickness that fits naturally in the hand, our shop proposes this set as a sophisticated trio of Japanese-style shot glasses for enjoying aged spirits, matured sake, vintage whisky, or liquors in modern living spaces. The striking beauty of the overglaze enamels, highlighting the unique individuality of each artist at a glance, beautifully enhances the amber hue and clarity of poured spirits, creating an elegant and vibrant atmosphere at the table. This supreme collaboration masterpiece harmonizes Kutani tradition with contemporary art, making it an exceptionally valuable addition to any collection.
Takegoshi Toshiaki (1940–2021) : The Japan Art Academy Prize (2009), Member of The Japan Art Academy (Appointed 2010), Nitten Prime Minister's Award (2001) , Studied under the third-generation master of the historic Taizan Kiln, which dates back to the late Edo period. The artist was a master of contemporary Kutani ware who fused the refined descriptive strength of Japanese painting with modernism. As a leading figure in the research of lead-free overglaze pigments (lead-free glazes), Takegoshi Toshiaki vastly expanded the expressive domain of Kutani ware, serving as Executive Director of the Nitten and a Member of The Japan Art Academy. The artist created numerous monumental works, including dedicated pieces for Yakushiji Temple and Ise Grand Shrine, as well as large ceramic murals for public institutions.
Takegoshi Fuyuki (武腰冬樹, 1965–) : Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition NHK Chairman's Award, Studied under Takegoshi Toshiaki and inherited the fourth generation of the Kutani Taizan Kiln. Advocating the fusion of ceramics with architecture and three-dimensional forms, Takegoshi Toshiaki develops sharp, contemporary sculptural forms combining slab-building and linear shapes with high-fire cobalt blue and black glazes. Winning the NHK Chairman's Award—one of the highest honors at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition—the artist leads new possibilities in contemporary Kutani ware.
Takeshi Yamachika (1930–2020) : 67th Sozo Exhibition Prime Minister's Award (2014), Studied under Japanese painter Kazumasa Mori and established a world of Kutani overglaze painting overflowing with vitality, such as Yamachika's "Nomichi" (Wild Path) series depicting familiar wild flowers and birds with warm brushwork. Highly praised for a realistic yet emotionally rich style utilizing delicate Kutani five-color enamels, Yamachika served as President of Sozo Bijutsu-kai for many years, contributing to the guidance of younger artists and the promotion of traditional Kutani crafts.
- Artists: Takegoshi Toshiaki (武腰敏昭), Takegoshi Fuyuki (武腰冬樹), Yamachika Takeshi (山近剛)
- Date: c. Early 2000s–2010 (Late 1990s–early 2010s, Heisei era)
- Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks). Please regard the crazing that forms in firing, other characteristics of ceramics and the patina of age as part of the pleasure of an antique piece.
- Accompanied by: Dedicated wooden box (Tomobako) included (with signatures and red seals of Toshi, Fuyu, and Takeshi on the inner lid), wrapping cloths included
- Medium: Porcelain / Ceramics (Kutani overglaze enamels, lead-free pigments)
- Dimensions: Each approx. Mouth diameter 7.2 cm, Height 4.8 cm
- Please Note: The items provided by our shop were produced a long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm the age-related changes before considering your purchase.
- About the Photographs: We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.
