An unusually lyrical early work by Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen Kabin; the kiln transformation expressed through extremely subtle passages of cream, yellow, grey and faint blue-green. This handled flower vase pairs an elongated, almost ewer-like form with a pale glaze whose quiet complexity only becomes apparent at close range. From a rounded lower body the vessel rises into a long, gently tapering neck, while a generously arched handle joins shoulder and upper neck. Most distinctive is the mouth, which opens into an irregular, softly undulating rim, giving the otherwise upright form a spontaneous, almost flower-like termination. The surface is enveloped in a softly textured glaze ranging from ivory and warm cream to delicate yellow, with occasional passages of grey and the faintest suggestion of blue-green. Rather than forming a uniform skin, the glaze gathers, thins and changes character across the vessel: warmer yellow tones pool around the neck and handle, while subtle blushes of grey and pink appear toward the lower body. Minute pinholes and granular irregularities remain visible throughout, lending the pale surface a dry, softly weathered quality. Around the foot, the glaze withdraws to reveal a narrow line of warm reddish clay, a small but vivid accent against the otherwise restrained palette. It is 11x 13.5 x 26 cm (4-1/2 x 5-1/4 x 10-1/2 inches) and is in perfect condition.
Shimizu Uichi (1926-2004) was born in Kyoto the son of a ceramic dealer. Discarding the family business, he apprenticed in plastic arts under future Living National Treasure Ishiguro Munemaro. His work retains some principal elements of his teachers style while incorporating an understated elegance and avant-garde spirit of challenge uncommon for his time. He was first exhibited at the Nitten in 1951, receiving numerous awards there since. He also took the gold medal at the Prague International Exhibition, and was at the Brussels World Exposition. He is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto Museum of Modern art, Clark Center and the Freer Gallery among many others.
