A boxed set of Tokkuri and Guinomi by Yoshii Shiro enclosed in their respective signed boxes which are in turn, enclosed in a compartmentalized wooden box. Guided by a philosophy of working “naturally,” Yoshii creates forms that are understated, free of excess, and devoid of unnecessary embellishment. Their simplicity allows them to harmonize effortlessly with food, serving as elegant vessels that enhance rather than compete with what they contain. The dark clay is covered in thick dark glaze and both are in excellent condition. The Guinomi is 9.5 cm (just less than 4 inches) diameter, the Tokkuri is 9 cm (3-5/8 inches) diameter, 15.5 cm (6 inches) tall.
Yoshii Shiro was born in 1955 in Shimonoseki at the extreme west end of the main island. He graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical School in 1978. Following graduation, he apprenticed under Kiyomizu Rokubei VI and later Kiyomizu Rokubei VII. In 1986, he continued his training at the Asahi Kiln in Uji. In 1991, he established the Miryu-gama (Miryu Kiln) and became an independent potter. Beginning that same year, he held solo exhibitions throughout Japan and has continued to exhibit widely. In 2000, he constructed a multi-chamber climbing kiln (renbō-shiki noborigama), and in 2009 built a semi-subterranean anagama kiln.
