Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award Winner, Sodeisha Member, Miyanaga Tozan III (三代 宮永東山・宮永理吉, Miyanaga Rikichi), Yatou Colored Glazed Incised Bowl, Fruit Bowl, Ice Bowl #409

This "Yatou Colored Glazed Incised Bowl" (Yatou Saiyu Koku-no-Hachi) is created by Miyanaga Tozan III (三代宮永東山, 1935–; real name: Miyanaga Rikichi), the third-generation master of the renowned Tozan Kiln of Kyo-ware ceramics, who left a monumental legacy in modern Japanese ceramic history as a member of the avant-garde ceramic group "Sodeisha." After studying sculpture under Shindo Tsuji and others at the Kyoto City College of Fine Arts (now Kyoto City University of Arts), Miyanaga Rikichi traveled to the United States in 1959 to study at the Art Students League of New York. Upon returning to Japan, through the formation of the sculpture group "Zero" and activities at the Kodo Bijutsu Association, Tozan III became a member (Dojin) of the avant-garde ceramic artist group "Sodeisha" in 1970, developing intellectual structural expressions that overturned traditional ceramic frameworks. The original leaflet accompanying this piece includes an essay by art critic Yoshida Kozo stating, "This solo exhibition is an attempt by him to create everyday items by applying his innovative sculptural sensibility," along with Tozan III's career history up to 1966 (Showa 41). The description in this leaflet serves as direct, objective evidence specifically identifying this piece as a precious early work from the 1966 solo exhibition that attempted the fusion of utility and sculpture.

Titled "Yatou Saiyu Koku-no-Hachi" on the original wooden box (Tomobako), this work bears a stamped signature "Ri" (理) in gosu (underglaze cobalt blue) on the bottom surface. The greatest charm of this piece lies in its overwhelming structural beauty, where intellectual structural expression as a sculptor and traditional techniques of Tozan Kiln fuse at a high level. On the solid vessel body reminiscent of bedrock carved from a rocky mountain, geometric and powerful incised motifs (sculptural cutout lines) are deeply carved into the sides, creating heavy shadows depending on the angle of light. The "Yatou colored glaze" covering the surface exhibits a matte, rustic glaze quality based on feldspar and wood ash, highlighting the rough texture of sand grains and minute feldspar particles mixed into the clay body. The thick construction and stable form of the vessel dissolve the traditional concept of a bowl, perfectly harmonizing sculptural three-dimensionality with functional utility—a true crystallization of structural thinking unique to a Sodeisha member.

Possessing a commanding scale and overwhelming weight with a height of approximately 12.0 cm and a diameter of approximately 26.5 cm, our shop proposes this bowl tailored to modern lifestyles as a supreme Japanese Kogei piece where traditional Japanese beauty intersects with modernism. In particular, in refined spaces for savoring aged spirits and whisky that have acquired rich depth and aroma over time, it exudes a distinctive presence as a fruit basket for vibrant seasonal fruits or an ice bowl filled with rock ice. The contrast between the rough yet serene rock-like texture and the colors of ice or fruit placed within brings a definite dignity and modern art sophistication to dining tables and living spaces. Created on the eve of Tozan III's transition to thin celadon and white porcelain works in later years, this is an extremely rare authentic masterpiece created in the mid-1960s that challenged everyday items with a sculptural approach, serving as a supreme craft piece to be savored with all five senses.

<Comment from an Art Critic Who Knew Miyanaga Tozan III (Miyanaga Rikichi)>

 "Miyanaga Rikichi is currently creating unique sculptures using ceramics as his medium, presenting his work as a member of Kodo-kai and the 'Zero' group. While he is undoubtedly a sculptor, he also has a career working as a potter in the workshop of his father, Miyanaga Tozan. This solo exhibition represents an attempt by him to apply his innovative sculptural sensibility to the creation of everyday goods, which I am greatly looking forward to. I hope that through efforts like this, a new frontier will open up in the domestic ceramics around us."

Yoshida Kozo (吉田耕三, 1915–2013; Art Critic and Ceramic Researcher)

• Artist: Miyanaga Tozan III (三代 宮永東山・宮永理吉) / Miyanaga Rikichi (1935–)
• Representative Career Highlights: [1958] Graduated from Kyoto City College of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture, [1959] Traveled to the U.S. and studied at the Art Students League of New York, [1961] Formed the sculpture group "Zero", [1970] Joined the avant-garde ceramic group "Sodeisha" as a member, [1998] Received the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award, [1999] Succeeded to the name Miyanaga Tozan III, [2008] Received the Kyoto City Arts Merit Award, [2024] Received the Special Cultural Merit Award at the 42nd Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Award
• Public Collections: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; The Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Shigaraki (Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park); Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art; etc.
• Production Period: 1966 (Showa 41, work presented at solo exhibition)
• Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
• Accessories: Dedicated original wooden box (Tomobako) included (with artist's calligraphy and red seal), original leaflet included (featuring essay by Yoshida Kozo)
• Material: Ceramics (Yatou colored glaze, incised decoration)
• Dimensions: Height approx. 12.0 cm, Width (Diameter) approx. 26.5 cm
• Note: Even if the products provided by our shop are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm that the item may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.
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