Poppy flowers blossom on the dark sides of this exquisite cloisonne water container made for use in the Japanese tea ceremony by Shibata Akira in 1989 enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shippo Mizusashi. It is 15.6 cm (6-1/4 inches) diameter, 21 cm (8-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Shibata Akira, was born in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture in 1942. After graduating from Aichi Prefectural Seto Ceramics High School, he joined Ando Cloisonné Company, which was founded in 1880 and has carried on the modern and traditional cloisonné techniques for over 50 years. His works use the yūsen (wire) technique and involve numerous intricate steps, including design, substrate processing, pattern application, glazing, firing, and polishing—all of which he completes himself. This craft requires experience and a high level of skill, demanding true mastery. Since 1970 (Showa 45), he has been selected consistently for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition where he has been awarded and has also served as a judge. He is recognized as one of Japan’s leading cloisonné enamel artists.
