This White Hagi blue glaze tea bowl is crafted by master Hagi ware artisan Shuen Yoshida (1940–1986), who entered apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Miwa Kyusetsu X (Miwa Kyuwa, 1895–1981) at the age of 15, trained for many years as a live-in disciple, and after providing technical guidance at Tenhozankai Kiln, went independent in 1968 to open Gyokuryuzan Kiln. Inheriting the prestigious traditional techniques passed down from his master, Miwa Kyusetsu, while fusing a rugged Oni-Hagi clay body with a sweeping blue glaze, he earned high acclaim for his unique artistic style. Until his sudden passing at the young age of 46, he pursued the pinnacle of tea ceramics and was deeply revered among tea utensil markets and connoisseurs. Featuring a powerful form that fits comfortably in the hand and a magnificent visual scene where a vivid blue glaze floats within a plump, milky-white glazed surface, this work naturally possesses the dignity of a tea bowl. Beyond this, we present it to the global market as a luxury Japanese rocks glass (sake vessel) for floating large ice rocks, quietly pouring amber aged sake, matured whisky, or authentic shochu, and savoring the dynamic clay texture and color contrasts of traditional ceramic art.
Examining the fine details of this piece, the designs of "Oni-Hagi" and "White Hagi" in which Shuen Yoshida excelled, alongside the "Blue Glaze" he continuously explored, culminate in an exceptionally high degree of completion. Upon a powerful clay body containing coarse sand, a milky-white Hagi glaze composed of feldspar and straw ash is applied, over which a vibrant blue glaze is boldly and fluidly rendered from a portion of the exterior surface through to the interior bottom (mikomi). Fine crazing (kannyu) formed during firing, Kairagi-like crawling generated as sand grains in the raw clay penetrate the glaze, as well as glaze drips and color gradations create a three-dimensional landscape. Beside the footring, a rugged raw red-clay exposition (tuchimise) remains, stamped clearly with the artist's seal mark "Shuen" in a circle. By pouring liquid into this porous body, one can fully enjoy the essence of "Hagi no Nanabake" (The Seven Transformations of Hagi), where pigments penetrate the crazing over time, deepening its aesthetic character with age.
Regarding the period of production, it is estimated to have been created between 1975 and 1985 (Showa 50s), a period following his 1968 independence when the techniques passed down from Kyusetsu—incorporating creative blue glaze expressions into Oni-Hagi—reached full maturity. His career as an independent artist from 1968 until his sudden passing at age 46 around 1986 was remarkably brief—spanning only about 18 years. Consequently, the absolute number of existing authentic works is extremely limited, giving it extraordinarily high rarity value. The vessel body itself shows no damage such as cracks or chips, maintaining outstanding condition in terms of the firing of the White Hagi glaze, the contrast of the blue glaze, and the texture of the clay body. It comes as a superb piece complete with an authentic dedicated original box (Tomobako) bearing handwritten ink inscription and red seal on the lid face, a wrapping cloth, and an instructional leaflet (Shiori) outlining the origins of Hagi ware and the artist's biography.
- Artist: Shuen Yoshida (1940–1986)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1955] Entered apprenticeship under Miwa Kyusetsu X (Living National Treasure Miwa Kyuwa); [1968] Opened Gyokuryuzan Kiln in Tamae, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Works Housed In: Permanent museum collection records are limited due to his early passing; however, works bearing authentication inscriptions (kakitsuke) by Grand Master Zabosai XVI of Urasenke and Master Kenchusai XII of the Horiuchi family exist, earning exceptionally high acclaim within tea ceremony circles and the antique art market
- Period of Production: Circa 1975–1985 (Showa 50s, estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated original box (Tomobako), wrapping cloth, and instructional leaflet (Shiori) included
- Material: Ceramic (Hagi ware, Oni-Hagi, White Hagi glaze, blue glaze)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 8.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 12.5 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.
