Kin-Bizen Guinomi

Koken Hibata was born into a family of Shinto priests in Ibe and was deeply involved in the study of Bizen ware, authoring and compiling books on the subject while also creating ceramics himself and leaving behind numerous accomplished works, particularly Houhin. This is a Kin-Bizen Guinomi by the artist.

Through firing in a strongly reducing atmosphere, Hibata created an intense golden metallic coloration and distinctive luster across the surface. This Guinomi offers a rich expression of the subtle variations characteristic of the Kin-Bizen style he pursued.

In addition to its striking golden surface, another highlight is the natural ash glaze around the lower body, which carries a slightly greenish tone reminiscent of Shigaraki or Iga ware.

The form itself is straightforward and free from unnecessary ornamentation. By keeping the shape simple and leaving a restrained amount of wheel marks visible, Hibata allows the distinctive coloration of Kin-Bizen and the variations in the natural ash glaze to take center stage.

In contrast to the brilliant and decorative golden kiln effects on the exterior, the interior reveals a gray clay surface with a faint bluish cast, reminiscent of Ao-Bizen or even ancient Sue ware. This contrast gives the work another fascinating dimension.

Due to adhesion around the foot during firing, the piece is slightly unstable when empty, but it becomes stable once filled with sake.

Koken Hibata was born into the family of Shinto priests serving Amatsu Shrine, located in the heart of Imbe, Bizen City. He was known not only as a Bizen ware artist, but also as a local historian who devoted himself to the study of Bizen ware.

He authored and compiled a number of important works, including *Bizen-yaki Shi* (A History of Bizen Ware), *Inbe-cho Shi* (A History of Inbe Town), and *Bizen-yaki no Kansho* (Appreciating Bizen Ware), making a significant contribution to the documentation and preservation of the history and culture of Bizen ware.

While pursuing local historical research and cultural activities, Hibata began hand-building hohin teapots around 1960. He visited accomplished Bizen potters to refine his ceramic techniques and inherited his family’s ancestral Amatsu Kiln, eventually devoting himself fully to pottery.

While firmly grounded in the traditions of Bizen ware, he produced many outstanding decorative and sculptural works, particularly hohin teapots. In his later years, he also devoted considerable effort to researching “Kin-Bizen,” a distinctive style characterized by brilliant golden kiln effects created through strong reduction firing.

In 1964, his work was accepted at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition. In 1966, his work was accepted at both the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Kogei East Chugoku Branch Exhibition.

In 1968, in recognition of his achievements as director of the Bizen City Community Center, he received a commendation from the Minister of Education. He was subsequently received at the Imperial Palace and granted an audience with the Emperor.

In 1970, he retired from his position as director of the community center and devoted himself fully to pottery. In the same year, he received the Okayama Prefecture Award for Distinguished Service to Education and Culture.

He continued to have works accepted at major exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition and the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, and in 1975 became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association.

In 1976, he served as an executive member of the East Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Prefectural Exhibition Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.

In 1977, he held a solo exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi in Tokyo, as well as solo exhibitions around the same period at venues including Seibu Department Store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

In 1978, he served as a judge for the Japan Traditional Kogei East Chugoku Branch Exhibition.

Hibata continued his intensive research into Kin-Bizen, and in 1980 he presented a “Kin-Bizen Tea Bowl” to Ise Jingu.

In 1985, he received the Encouragement Award from the East Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association, followed by the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Cultural Award in 1988.

In 1989, he served as chairman of the Bigeikai and received the Okayama Governor’s Commendation for Outstanding Skilled Workers. In 1991, he received a Certificate of Merit from Bizen City, and in 1992, he served as chairman of the Bizen City Cultural Properties Protection Committee.

In 1995, he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman under the recognition of the Minister of International Trade and Industry. Throughout his life, he contributed to the development of Bizen ware culture in many fields, including pottery, historical research, cultural property preservation, and the training of younger generations.

Koken Hibata passed away in 2002.

Major awards and honors include a Commendation from the Minister of Education, the Okayama Prefecture Award for Distinguished Service to Education and Culture, the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Award, the Japan Kōgei Association East Chugoku Branch Encouragement Award, the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Cultural Award, the Okayama Governor’s Commendation for Outstanding Skilled Workers, a Certificate of Merit from Bizen City, and certification as a Traditional Craftsman.