Crafted by Yohei Konishi (1941–), a supreme master of contemporary Tokoname ware who was designated a holder of Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property for "Tokoname Ware (Hand-thrown Wheel)" in 2013 after self-studying and refining the techniques of "neriage" (colored clay kneading) and "usu-zukuri" (thin-walled forms) while inheriting Tokoname's traditional technology, this is a pair of free cups in "Shudei Neriage Genshinsai" (red clay kneaded clay with vibrant color effect). Yohei Konishi established global acclaim by winning the Silver Award at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France in 1982, and his works are held in the collections of major museums worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States. Our shop presents these pieces—boasting exquisite hand-thrown forms and a superior tactile feel—to the global market not only as daily tea vessels, but also as a pair of luxury Japanese rocks glasses (pair sake vessels) for quietly enjoying amber-hued aged sake, matured whisky, or authentic shochu.
Carefully examining the details of this work clearly reveals the essence of "Genshinsai," Yohei Konishi's signature technique that marked a new chapter in the history of Tokoname ware. Genshinsai is an extremely high-level neriage technique in which clays of different colors—including Tokoname's signature red clay (shudei), green clay (rokudei), white clay (hakudei), and yellow clay (ōdei)—are layered, creating fluid, geometric patterns through the rotation of the hand-thrown wheel and delicate hand-carving. The vessel's exterior meticulously expresses a complex, regular gradient pattern of wave and oval shapes woven by multicolored clays, which, combined with the thin-walled form achieved through extraordinary wheel-throwing skill, delivers a dignified yet refined texture that fits comfortably in the hand. From the interior bottom (mikomi) down to the base, magnificent spiral-patterned neriage layers created along the rotation of the wheel are exposed continuously without variance, and a round ceramic seal stamp "Yo" (洋) certifying the artist's intent is clearly impressed near the outer base beside the foot ring. Furthermore, the bottom surface (tatami-tsuki) is also penetrated by a similar concentric neriage pattern, perfectly preserving the structural beauty of neriage, where patterns are constructed through the combination of clays themselves.
Regarding the period of production, taking his peak era after winning the Silver Award at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in 1982—when the technique and expressive design of "Genshinsai" reached their highest maturity—as a basis, it is identified as an authentic work created between circa 1985 and 1995 (mid-1980s to early 1990s). Utilizing the same system of technique as his masterpiece housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, this is an outstanding work from an era highly evaluated in the international art market. The vessel bodies themselves have no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in both the coloration of the multicolored clays and the smooth surface texture. It arrives in complete condition accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box), with the lid inscribed in ink "Genshinsai" and "Yohei" and stamped with his seal.
- Artist: Yohei Konishi (1941–, Holder of Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property for "Tokoname Ware [Hand-thrown Wheel]")
- Artist's Key Activities: [1982] Won the Silver Award at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France; [2013] Designated as a holder of Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property for "Tokoname Ware (Hand-thrown Wheel)." Currently active as an official member of the Japan Art Crafts Association and a supreme master of contemporary Tokoname ware, leveraging his self-taught and refined "neriage" and "usu-zukuri" techniques while preserving traditional craft methods.
- Works Housed In: Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK), Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA), Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum (Seto City, Aichi), Tokoname Ceramic Hall (Tokoname City, Aichi), INAX Live Museum (Tokoname City, Aichi), etc. In particular, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London holds works created using his signature neriage technique, establishing his international artistic value.
- Period of Production: 1980s–early 1990s
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks, with age-appropriate patina)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako included (inscribed with "Genshinsai" and "Yohei" in ink and stamped with seal on the lid)
- Material: Pottery (Tokoname ware, neriage)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 7.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.6 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.
