Crafted by Yasuhide Uchida (1893–1997)—a master of Miyoshi ware who pursued uncompromising ceramic creation over a remarkably long life of 104 years before passing in 1997—this is a matcha bowl featuring the "Hyōri-kantsū Nishiki-neriage" (Through-and-Through Brocade Colored Clay Kneading) technique. After drawing significant attention with his solo exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in 1952, Yasuhide Uchida traveled to the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres in France in the 1960s, where he acquired advanced color-blending techniques and chemical principles of firing for European porcelain. Having been designated a Miyoshi City Intangible Cultural Property in 1965 and exhibiting his work at the Osaka World Exposition (EXPO '70) in 1970, he was officially designated as a holder of Hiroshima Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property for "Nishiki-neriage" in 1973, cementing his legacy as a supreme master of modern colored-clay ceramic art. Our shop presents this piece—a synthesis of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western color technology—to the global market not only as a dignified tea vessel, but also as a luxury Japanese rocks glass (large free cup) for sumptuously savoring amber-hued aged sake, matured whisky, or authentic shochu over large ice cubes.
Observing the details of this work clearly reveals the true essence of "Hyōri-kantsū Nishiki-neriage," Yasuhide Uchida's signature technique and one of the most challenging methods in Japanese ceramic art. Unlike conventional overglaze painting, this colored-clay kneading (neriage) technique builds patterns by precisely layering clays mixed in different colors; however, because clays containing different pigments possess subtly varying shrinkage rates during drying and firing, even a minute discrepancy directly leads to cracking or warping, resulting in an extremely low yield rate. In this bowl, white and calm blue-gray colored clays are dimensionally structured into a delicate, fluid wave pattern reminiscent of fine silk brocade (Nishiki) or strata of silk. Comparing the exterior and interior (mikomi) of the vessel reveals the magnificent "through-and-through" structure, where the lines of the pattern penetrate completely from front to back without the slightest variance. Furthermore, examining the surface of the vessel's body reveals a clear stamped signature "Yasuhide" carved directly over the striped pattern by the artist's own hand, eloquently certifying its authenticity.
Regarding the period of production, taking the clear date hand-inscribed in ink on the back of the lid of the dedicated Tomobako as "Created on April 18, Showa 46 (April 18, 1971)" as decisive evidence, it is identified as an authentic work created on April 18, 1971. This era corresponds to the pinnacle of maturity in both technique and style for Yasuhide Uchida, following his EXPO '70 exhibition and just prior to his 1973 designation as a Hiroshima Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property. The vessel itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in both the vivid contrast of the multicolored clays and the quality of the glaze surface. It arrives in complete condition, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed on the lid with "Nishiki-neriage Chawan" and on the back with "Created on April 18, Showa 46, Yasuhide" with a seal stamped, alongside a dedicated cloth bearing his seal stamp.
- Artist: Yasuhide Uchida (1893–1997, Hiroshima Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property Holder)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1952] Held "Yasuhide Uchida Nishiki-Neriage Ceramic Exhibition" at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store; [1960s] Acquired color and porcelain techniques at Manufacture nationale de Sèvres in France; [1965] Designated as Miyoshi City Intangible Cultural Property; [1970] Exhibited work at the Osaka World Exposition (EXPO '70); [1973] Designated as Hiroshima Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property Holder for "Nishiki-Neriage"
- Works Housed In: Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, Miyoshi City Public Collections (Miyoshi City History and Folklore Museum, etc.), Domestic and International Connoisseur Collections, etc.
- Period of Production: April 18, 1971 (Showa 46) (Supported by verifiable production date record)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako, dedicated cloth with seal stamp included
- Material: Ceramics (Miyoshi ware, Hyōri-kantsū Nishiki-neriage, colored clay kneading, stamped signature)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 7.5 cm–8.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 12.5 cm–13.0 cm
- Caution: All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period. Products may have minor age-related changes in texture, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these details.
