Ryumon Bowl

The “Ryumon Bowl,” (literally, “grain pattern ware”), hand-formed and individually engraved with patterns before firing, exhibit an organic form akin to shells weathered over time. The engraved patterns resemble both plant leaves and bird feathers, while the tactile sensation of the clay’s rough texture adds to their allure. This pieces evoke a sense of something grand and transcendent, such as the interplay of time and space or the connection between earth and life.

Sakakura Shinbei-gama Kiln is a long-established kiln that carries on the tradition of Fukagawa-Hagi ware. This piece was created by Masahiro Sakakura, now the sixteenth-generation head of the kiln, before he assumed the name Shinbei Sakakura. It showcases a strong emphasis on the texture of the clay sourced locally in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The artist’s sculptural sense of form is greatly evident in this work, a result of his exploration of new expressions while delving deeply into Hagi ware based on indigenous materials throughout his ceramic career. This piece is a creative artwork that suggests the boundless possibilities of Hagi ware. Its presence in contemporary spaces seems to reveal the artist’s vision for pioneering new horizons.