Shigaraki Onioke Guinomi

Shinshiro Aika creates works of unwavering honesty and strength. This is a Shigaraki Onioke Guinomi by the artist.

Even among the many artists working in Bizen ware, Aika is distinguished by his particular devotion to firing. This work allows the viewer to appreciate the rich colors of the clay and the powerful kiln effects that emerge only through exceptionally thorough firing.

The Guinomi features a unique design inspired by the celebrated Shigaraki *Onioke Mizusashi*. Its boldly formed rim, characteristic of the Onioke style, harmonizes beautifully with natural ash glaze flowing like a clear mountain stream.

Few works seem to embody the phrase “created without regard for profitability” as perfectly as this one. Aika fired the piece relentlessly until it achieved the appearance he sought, resulting in a truly remarkable surface.

The natural ash glaze cascading dramatically down both the front and reverse is nothing short of breathtaking. Its fresh, translucent green, reminiscent of a clear stream flowing deep in the mountains, complements the Shigaraki clay beautifully.

The rich orange clay surface characteristic of Shigaraki appears to sparkle grain by grain. Combined with the overall sheen of the vessel, it gives the work the impression of emitting a faint glow from within.

He was born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1972.
He graduated from the Bizen Pottery Center in 1997.
He built an Anagama kiln in Ushimado, Setouchi City in 2003 and 2004.