Handled Vessel / Oribe / Mashiko / Takauchi Shugo
Handled Oribe Vessel by Takauchi Shugo
Takauchi Shugo's creations always have a dynamic energy and charm about them, he's truly one of Japan's most outstanding veteran ceramic artists. His work has been shown at major overseas exhibitions at the V&A and the Smithsonian as well as domestically at the wonderful Musee Tomo in Tokyo. This large handled Oribe serving vessel will surely drive the point home as to why he's so highly regarded for bringing new life to Momoyama period Oribe. This Takauchi piece is balanced as only he can do; the dynamic handle slices through the form balancing it quite nicely. Squiggly arabesque designs are seen there as well as on the body; iron underglaze designs compliment the work as well. In perfect condition with a signed box, 18.4cm.tallx32.5x27, signed on base. A very good piece to say the least and certainly museum quality. (Mashiko based Takauchi Shugo(b.1937) used to be a 'salaryman'---that's a term that refers to a company employee here in Japan. His path in life changed after he visited Mashiko, Tochigi prefecture and found the power in Hamada's work. He left the routine life of a salaryman and established his kiln in 1968. He's had a tremendous career with a huge following that enjoys his Shino, Oribe, ash-glazed and black creations. His work is in major museum collections and he was awarded the Tochigi Prefectural Cultural Prize in 1998. He's featured in the book 'Japanese Studio Crafts.')