Bizen Mitsuishi Yunomi

After completing his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki, Sohei Takashima received the Contemporary Ceramic Art Encouragement Award from the Japan Ceramic Society, marking an impressive debut as an independent artist. This is a newly released Bizen Mitsuishi Yunomi by the artist.

Having studied under Jun Isezaki, the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, Takashima established his own studio in Ushimado, Setouchi City. This Yunomi is one of his distinctive explorations of Bizen clay.

The piece was created by blending Bizen clay with pyrophyllite from the Mitsuishi district in eastern Bizen City, producing a remarkably white surface that almost resembles unfired clay.

The pyrophyllite, a specialty of the Mitsuishi area, was finely crushed and incorporated into the clay body. The resulting surface is exceptionally smooth, perfectly complementing its porcelain-like appearance.

Due to the unique properties of the clay, this Yunomi is particularly well suited to developing a rich patina through continued use. According to Takashima, the colors of tea and coffee gradually penetrate the surface, subtly transforming its pure white appearance into warmer, earthier tones, almost as though the vessel were undergoing a second firing.

The form has been deliberately stripped of any unnecessary ornamentation to complement the distinctive clay and its coloring. The result is a beautifully simple and serene design that perfectly harmonizes with the clean, refreshing appearance of the vessel.