Kiyomizu Rokube Vll
In the deluxe book eight-volume book set Nihon Toji (Japanese Ceramics, 1992, edited by Inui Yoshiaki and Hayashiya Seizo), volume four focuses on six of the greatest ceramic sculptural artists in Japan; Yagi Kazuo, Kamoda Shoji, Araki Takako, Fujihira Shin, Suzuki Osamu and Kiyomizu RokubeVll (now known as Kyube). This tall, elegant, and alluring RokubeVll koro or incense burner is shown in the book on page 120; it is an important work by this major Kyoto artist. The Kiyomizu kiln dates back to 1771 and now Kyube's son is the current Rokube Vlll (Masahiro), taking that title in 2000. This work was made in 1991 and is three-sided with an irabo glaze over which RokubeVll has embellished the form with what appear as two red keyholes or hooks or.....The top is cut in three wavy openings and the inside is a glistening gold, which dazzles the eyes after gazing upon the muted outside. It stands on three feet. Kiyomizu was born in 1922 (his birth name was Hiroshi) and studied architecture and after WWll metalwork at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He married Rokube Vl's daughter and thus entered the family. His sterling reputation began in the 1960s with exceptional ceramic sculptures and has continued to this day. A major retrospective of the Kiyomizu family is showing now in Japan at the Chiba City Museum until January 23. A photocopy of the page from the above-mentioned book will be included (the book retailed for 48,000 yen and 1250 copies only printed). In perfect condition with a signed box, 21.3cm.tall and 12.2cm.across on one side, stamped kiyo on base, a museum piece.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
