Grand Prix Winner at the Belgium World's Fair, Sodeisha Member, Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Green Glazed Yohen Vessel, Side Dish #341

This ceramic vessel is a masterwork by Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉, 1920–1985), a legendary figure who left an indelible mark on the avant-garde ceramic art world of modern Japan. Born in Kyoto in 1920 and passing away in 1985, Kumakura Junkichi was a magnificent pioneer who led the post-war history of Japanese ceramics. After thoroughly studying modernism design and architectural structural expression at the Kyoto City First Industrial School of Architecture and the Kyoto Higher College of Arts and Crafts (currently the Kyoto Institute of Technology) Department of Pattern Design and Drawing, Kumakura pursued an artistic career in ceramics. The artist apprenticed under Fukuda Rikisaburo at the Shosai Toen atelier in Kyoto, and further had Kumakura's creative spirit rigorously instilled by Tomimoto Kenkichi, a giant of modern ceramics and a Living National Treasure. Kumakura's style, which fused the strict modernist philosophy of "never create patterns from existing patterns" inherited from Tomimoto Kenkichi with Kumakura's own industrial design and architectural background, shone with a unique brilliance in the ceramic world of Kumakura's era. In 1957, the artist joined the legendary avant-garde ceramic artist group "Sodeisha," formed by Yagi Kazuo and Suzuki Osamu, and as a central member, reigned at the pinnacle of the Japanese ceramic art world. Kumakura's artistry achieved high international acclaim, winning the prestigious Grand Prix at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair in Belgium and a silver prize at the 1962 International Ceramics Exhibition in Prague, Czechoslovakia. The artist's works are publicly housed in leading national institutions, including the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto.

This piece is a true masterpiece that clearly demonstrates Kumakura Junkichi’s most highly regarded philosophy: the modernization of traditional glazes. The surface of the vessel presents a beautiful and magnificent landscape, as if the rich, volatile variations of the deep sea have been encapsulated within its glaze. This deeply vibrant green glazed kiln transformation (yohen), while utilizing traditional mineral glazes, has been elevated into a contemporary abstract expression through the graphic design sensibility the artist cultivated in Kumakura's youth. The fluid undulations of the glaze and the meticulously controlled color gradations create a three-dimensional depth, painting an abstract expressionist drama upon the serene clay body. While other core members of Sodeisha moved towards pure sculptural objects that completely denied the utility of the vessel form, Kumakura Junkichi pursued a unique artistic conviction of how far avant-garde expression could be extended while strictly maintaining the practical utility and elegant form of the vessel. Kumakura's spatial and architectural intelligence is fully expressed in the fusion of this piece's structured form and overwhelming tactile texture. Due to a relatively short active period of ceramic creation and the fact that many of Kumakura's major works are held in public museums, the number of authentic pieces circulating in the private market is extremely limited, making this item highly rare as a global collector's piece.

With its exquisite size of 18.5 cm in diameter, we propose this bowl as a Japanese KOGEI masterpiece perfectly tailored for enjoying matured vintage sake (Koshu) within a sophisticated contemporary lifestyle. It is particularly ideal as a dish for serving simmered foods or as an appetizer plate when savoring aged sake that has acquired a deep richness and noble aroma over many years. The overwhelming seascape of the glaze, where tradition and the avant-garde intersect, elegantly enhances the dishes served, creating a luxurious experience that satisfies all five senses alongside the rich flavor of matured vintage sake. This vessel, embodying the spirit of a master who relentlessly pursued beauty without compromise, is a supreme modern piece that brings undeniable dignity and a unique presence to the everyday dining table.

• Artist: Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉, 1920–1985)
• Artist's Notable Activities: [1955] Received the 1st Japan Ceramic Society Award, [1957] Joined the avant-garde ceramic artist group "Sodeisha" as a central member, [1958] Awarded the Grand Prix at the Brussels World's Fair in Belgium, [1962] Received a silver award at the International Ceramics Exhibition in Prague, Czechoslovakia
• Works Housed In: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park; The Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, etc.
• Production Period: 1970s - 1980s (Maturity period as a prominent Sodeisha member)
• Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
• Accessories: Original Tomobako (wooden box signed by the artist), wrapping cloth, artist's profile brochure included
• Material: Pottery (green glaze with kiln transformation / yohen)
• Dimensions: Height approx. 6.2 cm, Diameter approx. 18.5 cm
• Note: Please note that all products offered by our store, even if unused, originate from a historic production period and are listed as antique fine art items. Vintage products may exhibit subtle age-related characteristics; please consider purchasing upon full understanding and confirmation.
• Please check the photos: 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.