Heavy encrustations of molten coals cover this Ujoyaki vase by Imai Rikei from Aomori Prefecture enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shizen-yu Hanaike and dated 1990. It is 31 cm (12 inches) tall, 14.5 cm (5-3/4 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Imai Rikei was born in Aomori Prefecture in 1947, and fires in the Ujoykai traditional manner making use of the world’s longest climbing kiln (Guinness book of world records, 103 meters long, you can see it on youtube). He has received a number of awards and exhibited with the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition (Asahi Togeiten) among others. He is the most important artist in this lesser known Northern tradition of Japanese pottery.
