Original Wooden Box
Dimensions: Diameter 22.3 cm × Height 40 cm
This commanding piece is the work of Funaki Kenji (1927–2015), whose artistry honors the traditions of Fujina-yaki pottery from Shimane Prefecture while infused with a unique, modern sensibility.
The vessel features a soft, pale yellow glaze (Tankou-yu) as its base, decorated with bold and dynamic hakeme (brush-stroke) patterns. The rhythmic, undulating movement of the brushwork conveys both the vigorous energy of the artist's hand and a rustic warmth. Despite its impressive scale—standing 40 cm in height—the gentle color palette allows it to harmonize naturally with its surroundings, while its profound presence makes it a truly magnificent masterpiece.
Kenji FUNAKI
1927 - 2015
Born into the Funaki family, a 170-year-old Nushina-yaki potter from the Edo period. He studied under Shoji Hamada and later received the Japan Folk Crafts Museum Award, the Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition, and the Salon du Printemps Scholarship Award. In 1953, he was invited by the Ryukyu government to Ryukyu to make pottery. He trained at a kiln in Bernard Leach. He was fascinated by slipware, which was popular in England during the 17th and 18th centuries, and adopted this technique in earnest. After returning to Japan, he exhibited his work at various exhibitions and won awards.
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