Bizen Ware Zodiac Sheep Figurine

This is a previous Bizen ware zodiac sheep figurine by the late Matsui Kono, who also mentored future generations as an instructor at a ceramics center. This piece was created some time ago and includes bookmarks dating up to 1989. The sheep, representing the upcoming year’s zodiac, is meticulously crafted, and its gentle expression seems to reflect the warm personality of Matsui-sensei. It is compact and easy to display, making it suitable even for an entryway. Original wooden box (with two-way cross-bracing)
Diameter 17.1cm × Diameter 6.1cm × Height 12.8cm Matsui Kono entered the National Kyoto Ceramics Research Institute in 1949, where he studied all aspects of pottery. After working at the Kumamoto Prefectural Industrial Research Institute for five years, he returned to Kyoto to study under Kiyomizu ware artist and Nitten exhibition judge, Morino Kako. In 1960, during his apprenticeship, he was invited by then-Okayama Governor Miki Yukiharu to join the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Research Institute's Ceramics Guidance Center. He dedicated himself to nurturing young artists before resigning as director to become an independent potter in 1978.
His firing techniques are based primarily on natural ash glazes and "shiso" (perilla-leaf) colors. Furthermore, he produced vivid Bizen ware by utilizing unique techniques derived from his experience as a Kyo-yaki artist, such as "neriage" (kneading two types of clay together), as well as gold, silver, and indigo painting.
1969: Regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. 1996: Designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property. 1997: Exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition. Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and many others / Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.