Bizen Yohen Vase with Handles

This is a Bizen yohen vase with handles by Naoki Yokoyama, an artist captivated by the infinitely changing expressions of Bizen ware. After assembling slabs of clay, he further refined the form by shaving it with a spatula, creating a mysterious, hollow presence reminiscent of a withered tree. The beautiful "kumadori" shading of the kiln-altered glaze seems to draw out 100% of the clay's inherent character, bringing stunning variations not only to the exterior but to the interior as well. With its tree-trunk-like sculptural form combined with beautiful landscapes of color, this piece creates a wonderful atmosphere even when simply left with water inside. Signed wooden box (double-braced)
Diameter 17.3cm × Diameter 14.8cm × Height 25.0cm Naoki Yokoyama is the second son of Shusui Yokoyama. Inspired by the mysticism of ceramics, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center after graduating from high school in 1991. The following year, he apprenticed under Fumio Kawabata, and after four years of training, he became independent in 1996. He built his own climbing kiln in 2000. Using the natural "nerikomi" (marbled clay) technique he learned from his master, he creates flower vases, tea utensils, and sake vessels. He received an encouragement award at the Prefectural Exhibition in 1999 and 2000. He has also been selected multiple times for the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Branch Exhibition. He held a solo exhibition at a department store in Okayama in 2003.