{"product_id":"381","title":"Aoyama Kiln, Mr. Norihiro Aoyama: White Glaze Crackle Underglaze Cobalt Wheat Ear Motif Cylindrical Free Cup, Japanese Rocks Glass, Sake Vessel #381","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eCrafted by Mr. Norihiro Aoyama (1954–, Aoyama Kiln), a master of Mino underglaze cobalt painting based at Aoyama Kiln in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, this cylindrical free cup features a white crackle glaze adorned with a fluid wheat ear motif in cobalt blue. Mr. Norihiro Aoyama studied under his father, Mr. Reizo Aoyama, a holder of Tajimi City Designated Intangible Cultural Property, and after refining his ceramic techniques at Kusanoto Kiln for approximately 28 years, he established his independent studio, Aoyama Kiln, in 2001. Continuously pursuing \"the importance of line\" taught by his father to its absolute limit, he has earned exceedingly high acclaim for his unyielding, fluid, and powerful linework. Our shop offers this 2012 piece, blending traditional Mino underglaze blue painting techniques with modern sculptural beauty, to the global market as a luxurious Japanese rocks glass (free cup) for quietly savoring the rich aroma and flavor of amber aged sake, matured whisky, or authentic shochu over large ice cubes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eCarefully examining the details of this work reveals a brilliant expression of Mr. Norihiro Aoyama's signature masterful linework and highly specialized execution of the traditional \"wheat ear motif\" (mugiho-mon). Symbolizing fertility and vitality in both Western and Eastern cultures, the wheat ear is a motif long cherished in Japanese ceramics. In this piece, through \"dami\" (shading technique) skillfully rendering cobalt pigment (gosu) gradations and sharp \"honegaki\" (outline brushwork), the thick stalks and delicate awns (wheat bristles) are depicted with a magnificent dynamic rhythm. The warm ivory-toned white glaze is covered in a fine, mesh-like crackle glaze (rekkon), creating a vivid visual contrast with the cobalt coloration. The graphic circular composition of swaying wheat ears forming continuous loops requires supreme mastery that tolerates not the slightest variation in brush pressure or speed, expanding three-dimensionally without interruption from the vessel's exterior to the spiral composition on the mikomi (inner bottom). Inside the foot ring, a hand-painted \"A\" mark in cobalt pigment—symbolizing Aoyama Kiln and the artist's initial—is directly rendered, enhancing its dignity as refined contemporary craft while honoring Mino tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eRegarding the period of production, taking its style following the establishment of Aoyama Kiln in 2001, the hand-painted \"A\" cobalt signature inside the foot ring, and records of his exhibition works and production period around 2012 as decisive clues, it is identified as an authentic work created circa 2012 (circa Heisei 24). The vessel itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in its crackle glaze development, cobalt coloration, and the sharpness of the painted lines forming the wheat ears. While it does not include accessories such as a dedicated Tomobako, it is a magnificent piece combining the strong presence of a master's one-of-a-kind handcrafted work with functional beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/strong\u003eNorihiro Aoyama (1954–, Aoyama Kiln)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist's Key Activities: \u003c\/strong\u003eStudied under his father, Mr. Reizo Aoyama (Holder of Tajimi City Designated Intangible Cultural Property); [1972] Graduated from Ceramic Art Department of Gifu Prefectural Tajimi High School; [1976] Joined Kusanoto Kiln (crafted ceramics for approx. 28 years); [2001] Established independent \"Aoyama Kiln\" in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, holding solo exhibitions and presenting works at Isetan Shinjuku, Maruei Department Store, Meitetsu Department Store, and \"Utsuwa Hanada\"; [2019] Also active at Dozan Kiln\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorks Housed In:\u003c\/strong\u003e None (Activity centered on solo and group exhibitions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 2012\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e None\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003ePottery (Mino ware, white glaze, crackle, underglaze cobalt, wheat ear motif, hand-painted \"A\" cobalt signature)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"27\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 8.6 cm, Width approx. 10.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 8.8 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"28\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48265439379643,"sku":null,"price":23500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_1565_result.jpg?v=1787562465","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/381","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}