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This listing is for a pair of Mashiko-ware yunomi made around 30-40 years ago by noted potter, Akashi Shosaku. They are wheel-thrown and brushed with white matte coloured glaze that has an unusual frosted texture. The front of each cup is decorated with plant brush markings enclosed by a perfect circle. The rims are trimmed with brown glaze, and the stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom of each cup. They come with their original signed wooden storage box. 

Akashi Shosaku (b.1946) is a Mashiko-ware potter born and raised in Mashiko town. In 1962 he began studying under Hamada Shoji, and one year later he joined the Hamada Kiln Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store (7 year exhibition). In 1981 he became independent and his work was selected for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival. In 1982 he participated in the National Kokuten Exhibition and the Japan Folk Art Exhibition, and he received the Encouragement Award at the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival. He exhibited at the same exhibitions one year later, and he received an award at the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival. He also received the Governors Award at the 10th Memorial Art Exhibition. In 1984 he exhibited the National Kokuten Exhibition, and he received the Encouragement Award at the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival. In 1985 he held his first solo exhibition at Utsunomiya Tobu Department Store, and he joined the National Kokuten Exhibition (and again in 1986). In 1987 he received the Newcomer Award at the National Kokuten Exhibition, and his work was selected for the Japan Ceramics Exhibition. He was also invited to join the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival Committee and continued to be a member up until 2000. From 1988 to 1990 he participated in the National Kokuten Exhibition, and in 1990 he appeared in a NHK TV special. He continued to exhibit at the National Kokuten Exhibition (1991-1995), and he also exhibited at the Japan Ceramics Exhibition in 1991. In 1993 he received an official invitation to attend the Prime Minister's Residence for an Arts and Culture gathering. In 1996 his work was selected by the Japan Art Association for the Mashiko Ceramic Art Exhibition. Two years later he received the Tochigi Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, and his work was selected for the Mashiko Ceramics Exhibition. In 2000 he exhibited at the 20th Century of Tochigi Art "The Door of the Millennium" Exhibition, and in 2001 the Utsunomiya Tobu Department Store held a 20th anniversary of Akashi Shosaku Special Exhibition. In 2002 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs purchased a square plate and a tsubo jar, and in 2003 he built a new noborigama multi-chambered climbing kiln. He also joined the jury for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival Exhibition, and in 2006 he held a 25th Anniversary Ceramic Art Exhibition at Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro. Also in 2006 he received the Sado shumei ‘Sou Saku’. Finally, in 2008, he once again joined the judging committee for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival Exhibition.

Mashiko-ware is pottery produced in the area around Mashiko in Tochigi prefecture. It began in the mid-1800s after good quality clay was found in the local. There was a large demand for everyday cooking vessels in Tokyo so the number of workshops in Mashiko expanded and many craftsmen took up the trade. In the early 1900s Shoji Hamada took Mashiko-ware to a whole new level when he began promoting the folk art movement. Mashiko-ware is probably best known for its brown glazes along with splashes of red, black, green or white.

Sizes

Box:  H.11.8cm (4.6”) x 19.5cm (7.6”) x 11.6cm (4.5”)

Larger Cup:  H.8.9cm (3.5”) x Dia.8.3cm (3.2”)

Smaller Cup:  H.8.4cm (3.3”) x Dia.7.5cm (2.9”)

Condition

Both cups are in very good condition with no chips or cracks.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

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**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

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