Monthly Archives: April 2026

Kamoda Shoji : Sake cup

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[Description of the Work]
This is a guinomi (sake cup) by Shōji Kamoda, a ceramic artist often referred to as a “genius who died young.”
A native of Kishiwada, Osaka, he enrolled at Kyoto City University of Arts, where he studied ceramics under Kenkichi Tomimoto and others.
He began his ceramic career in Mashiko, Tochigi, and later moved his studio to Tono, Iwate, where he created original and innovative works and enjoyed a successful career, but passed away at the young age of 49.

This piece was created in 1974 in Tono, Iwate. It was made on a potter’s wheel using local Tono clay, and the outer rim is adorned with a distinctive circular pattern that runs all the way around.
One theory suggests this pattern is a stylized representation of water ripples from raindrops, while others propose it resembles fish eyes or a necklace depicted in a famous painting. In any case, this is a pattern created by Kamoda in accordance with the teaching of his mentor, Kenkichi Tomimoto: “One should not create patterns from existing patterns.”
Only a few examples of this type of guinomi have been confirmed, making it a particularly rare piece among Kamoda’s works.

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223

Arakawa Toyozo : Sake bottle

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[ Description of the Work ]
Mr. Toyozō Arakawa is one of Japan’s leading ceramic masters, a Living National Treasure and recipient of the Order of Culture.
This piece is a sake bottle created during Arakawa’s later years.
It was fired in a climbing kiln using the “Kobiki” technique from the Joseon Dynasty. After being shaped on the potter’s wheel, it was given a slightly square form.
It has been carefully preserved in its original, unused condition and is in excellent condition.

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223

 

Kawai Kanjiro : Sake cup

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[Description of the Work]
Kanjirō Kawai was an active member of the early “Mingei” art movement in the early Shōwa period. After the war, he pursued his own creative path, leaving behind many distinctive works.
This piece is a cylindrical guinomi (sake cup) in the “Gosu” style, glazed in a deep indigo blue, with a floral pattern painted in slip on the body.
It is a representative example of Kawai’s guinomi.
For this type of guinomi, the accompanying box is designed such that only a red seal is stamped on the underside of the lid, with no calligraphy in ink.

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223

Kitaoji Rosanjin : Sake cup

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[Description of the Work]
Master Kitanoji Rosanjin was a leading Japanese artist whose creative activities spanned a wide range of disciplines—primarily ceramics, but also calligraphy, painting, and seal carving—and who left behind many masterpieces.
Taking “aesthetic living” as his creative theme, he overturned conventional notions of tableware and made his mark by developing an innovative artistic style.
This piece is inspired by 17th-century Chinese porcelain known as “Kosometsuke,” and the twisted patterns depicted on both the interior and exterior are beautifully recreated.
It is a delicate piece crafted with a thin, refined form.
The inscription on the box is not by Rosanjin, but by the first-generation Kuroda Tōtōan.

 

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223

Kato Hajime : Sake cup

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[Description of the Work]
Professor Hajime Kato of the Tokyo University of the Arts was designated a Living National Treasure. She is a master ceramist known for her research and development of diverse techniques, such as Kinrande and Yuuri-kinsai.
This guinomi (sake cup) combines colored painting and underglaze blue decoration, creating a charming impression.
With alternating floral and diagonal patterns, it is a stylish piece with excellent design.

 

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223

Namakura Rokuro : Sake cup

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[ Description of the Work ]
This is a Bizen-style guinomi (sake cup) created by the Bizen-yaki artist Rokuro Nakamura during his later years.
Nakamura’s guinomi are characterized by the undulating rim known as “Yamamichi.”
Only the owner can enjoy the beautiful way the color of the vessel’s surface changes when it comes into contact with water or sake.

 

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223

Matsui Kose : Sake cup

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[Description of the Work]
This piece was created by Kosei Matsui, a Living National Treasure in the field of ceramics, using the “neri-age” technique, which involves mixing multi-colored clays to create patterns.
This guinomi (sake cup) was produced during the final years of his career and is titled “Hana-Sango” (Flower Coral).
Composed primarily of coral-colored clay with accents of white and brown, it exudes a sense of beauty.
It is a piece whose beautiful colors radiate a lustrous glow.

 

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GINZA KURODA TOUEN
5F 7-8-17 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo JAPAN.
TORAYA Ginza Building  5th Floor
11:00-18:30
closed every Monday
Tel: +81-3-3571-3223