Bizen Neriage Sake Cup

This is a Bizen neriage (marbled) sake cup by Matsui Kosei, who also mentored younger artists as an instructor at the Ceramics Center. The work is captivating for the harmony of colors that shift in multiple layers due to the marbling technique. The subtle differences in the ratio of white clay to Bizen clay from spot to spot create delicate variations in light, shadow, and tone, resulting in a highly dynamic color palette that is at times intricate and at other times bold. The bright orange clay body visible at the bottom, combined with the marble pattern created by the white clay, is particularly magnificent, showcasing a unique and fascinating color scheme not seen in other works.

Signed wooden box (shōhōsan style)
Diameter 6.3 cm x Diameter 6.3 cm x Height 6.4 cm

Matsui Kosei entered the Kyoto National Ceramics Laboratory in 1949 to study all aspects of pottery. After working for five years at the Kumamoto Prefectural Industrial Research Institute, he returned to Kyoto to study under the Kiyomizu-yaki master and Nitten exhibition judge Morino Kako. In 1960, while still in training, he was invited by then-Okayama Governor Yukiharu Miki to join the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Research Institute's Ceramics Guidance Center. He dedicated himself to cultivating young artists before resigning as director to become an independent artist in 1978.
His firing techniques are based primarily on natural ash glaze and shiso (beefsteak plant) red. He also creates vibrant Bizen ware using unique techniques derived from his experience as a Kyo-yaki artist, such as "neriage," where two types of clay are blended and thrown on the wheel, as well as gold, silver, and indigo painting.
Became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1969. Designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture in 1996. Exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition in 1997. Recipient of numerous awards, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, and the Sanyo Shimbun Award / Served as a judge for the prefectural exhibition. This is a Bizen neriage (marbled) sake cup by Matsui Kosei, who also mentored younger artists as an instructor at the Ceramics Center. The work is captivating for the harmony of colors that shift in multiple layers due to the marbling technique. The subtle differences in the ratio of white clay to Bizen clay from spot to spot create delicate variations in light, shadow, and tone, resulting in a highly dynamic color palette that is at times intricate and at other times bold. The bright orange clay body visible at the bottom, combined with the marble pattern created by the white clay, is particularly magnificent, showcasing a unique and fascinating color scheme not seen in other works. Signed wooden box (shōhōsan style)
Diameter 6.3 cm x Diameter 6.3 cm x Height 6.4 cm Matsui Kosei entered the Kyoto National Ceramics Laboratory in 1949 to study all aspects of pottery. After working for five years at the Kumamoto Prefectural Industrial Research Institute, he returned to Kyoto to study under the Kiyomizu-yaki master and Nitten exhibition judge Morino Kako. In 1960, while still in training, he was invited by then-Okayama Governor Yukiharu Miki to join the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Research Institute's Ceramics Guidance Center. He dedicated himself to cultivating young artists before resigning as director to become an independent artist in 1978.
His firing techniques are based primarily on natural ash glaze and shiso (beefsteak plant) red. He also creates vibrant Bizen ware using unique techniques derived from his experience as a Kyo-yaki artist, such as "neriage," where two types of clay are blended and thrown on the wheel, as well as gold, silver, and indigo painting.
Became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1969. Designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture in 1996. Exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition in 1997. Recipient of numerous awards, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, and the Sanyo Shimbun Award / Served as a judge for the prefectural exhibition.