Bizen Frog

This Bizen frog is the work of Gyokushu Kimura, an artist who approaches his pottery with sincerity and a distinct, powerful style. The piece was created by gradually layering Bizen clay to build up the form, resulting in magnificent, uniquely defined musculature that captures a fleeting moment of a lively frog. It is a testament to Kimura-sensei’s skill that he masterfully balances realism and stylization, crafting a piece that is as impressive as a dramatic illustration while remaining true to life. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 14.2cm × Diameter 13.3cm × Height 12.3cm Gyokushu Kimura comes from the Kimura family, one of the six original Bizen pottery lineages, and is the eldest son of the renowned craftsman, the 16th Sōtoku Kimura. He majored in sculpture at Nagoya University of the Arts, graduating in 1967. He learned pottery from his father and sculpture from Shinya Nakamura, a member of the Japan Art Academy. Utilizing the advanced ceramic sculpting techniques inherited from his father, he has produced works such as the "Setouchi Fish," "Birds of Okayama and Shikoku," and "Ile de Setouchi" series. He also successfully revived the production of white Bizen ware, which had declined since the mid-Edo period. His awards include multiple selections for the Nitten and Hakujitsu exhibitions, as well as various awards and selections in prefectural exhibitions and ceramic art competitions. He is a member of the Japan Ceramic Sculpture Association, the Japan Ceramic Engraving Association, the Nitten Exhibition, and the Bizen Pottery Association.