Grand Prix Winner at the Belgium World's Fair, Sodeisha Member, Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉), Green Glazed Yohen Vessel, Side Dish #451

This bowl is a piece by Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉, 1920–1985), a master who left a legendary mark on the avant-garde ceramic art world of modern Japan. Born in Kyoto in 1920 (Taisho 9) and passing away in 1985 (Showa 60), Kumakura was a pioneer who led post-war Japanese ceramic history. After thoroughly studying modernist design and architectural structural expression at the Architectural Department of Kyoto Municipal First Industrial School and the Design Department of Kyoto Higher School of Arts and Crafts (currently Kyoto Institute of Technology), Kumakura pursued the path of ceramics. The artist studied under Fukuda Rikisaburo at Shosai Toen in Kyoto, and was further instilled with the creative spirit under Tomimoto Kenkichi, a master of modern ceramics and a Living National Treasure. Inheriting the strict modernist philosophy from Tomimoto Kenkichi of "not creating patterns from existing patterns," combined with Kumakura's own background in design and architecture, the artist's style stood out uniquely in the ceramic art world at that time. In 1957, the artist joined "Sodeisha," the legendary avant-garde ceramic group formed by Yagi Kazuo, Suzuki Osamu, and others, becoming a member (Dojin) and reigning at the pinnacle of Japanese ceramics as a central figure. Kumakura's artistry gained high international acclaim, winning the Grand Prix at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair in Belgium and the Silver Prize at the 1962 Prague International Ceramics Exhibition in Czechoslovakia, with works publicly collected in institutions such as The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo and The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto.

Although titled "Green Glazed Bowl" (Ryokuyu Hachi) on the original wooden box (Tomobako), this work is a masterpiece where Kumakura's unique sense of modernism and Yohen (kiln transformation) technique crystalize splendidly. Across the surface of the vessel spreads a breathtakingly beautiful and grand landscape, where layers of Yohen interweave from eye-dazzling vivid turquoise blue to deep cobalt blue, with olive green and golden-brown hues floating around the rim and center. In the midst of radial waves of delicate, reticulated crystalline glaze, at the central interior bottom (Mikomi), an irregular three-dimensional relief (an island-like motif) adorned in golden-brown and green is constructed, reminiscent of an ancient solitary island or a lagoon floating upon a blue ocean. Furthermore, the sculpturally deformed rim line that waves freely in organic curves demonstrates the structural backbone unique to Kumakura Junkichi, high-dimensionally fusing graphic design sensibility with architectural modeling thought. While other members of Sodeisha moved toward pure objets that completely rejected the vessel form, Kumakura maintained the beauty of utility and form as a vessel while pushing the boundaries of avant-garde expression under a personal artistic philosophy. Because Kumakura's career as a potter was relatively short and many major works are housed in public museums, the number of authentic pieces circulating in the private market is extremely limited, making this an exquisite item of very high rarity as a world-class collector's piece.

Possessing an exquisite size with a diameter of approximately 18.5 cm, our shop proposes this bowl as a Japanese Kogei piece to enjoy traditional Japanese aesthetics tailored to modern lifestyles. It is particularly ideal as a small dish for simmered dishes, appetizers, or a deep bowl when savoring aged sake or chilled sake that has acquired deep richness and aroma over time. The mysterious solitary island motif floating in the center of the interior bottom and the overwhelming ocean colors surrounding it elegantly complement served dishes, creating a luxurious time that satisfies all five senses alongside the rich flavor of sake. Imbued with the spirit of a master who pursued beauty without a single compromise, this vessel is a supreme modern piece that brings refined dignity and a unique presence to daily dining tables.

• Artist: Kumakura Junkichi (熊倉順吉, 1920–1985)
• Artist's Notable Activities: [1955] Received the 1st Japan Ceramic Society Award, [1957] Joined the avant-garde ceramic artist group "Sodeisha" as a central member, [1958] Awarded the Grand Prix at the Brussels World's Fair in Belgium, [1962] Received a silver award at the International Ceramics Exhibition in Prague, Czechoslovakia
• Works Housed In: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park; The Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, etc.
• Production Period: 1970s - 1980s (Maturity period as a prominent Sodeisha member)
• Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
• Accessories: Original Tomobako (wooden box signed by the artist), wrapping cloth, artist's profile brochure included
• Material: Pottery (green glaze with kiln transformation / yohen)
• Dimensions: Height approx. 6.2 cm, Diameter approx. 18.5 cm
• Note: Please note that all products offered by our store, even if unused, originate from a historic production period and are listed as antique fine art items. Vintage products may exhibit subtle age-related characteristics; please consider purchasing upon full understanding and confirmation.
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