Tokkuri Sake Flasks are Part of a Unique Yakimono Culture

The term tokkuri refers to the server that comes with a sake set. More often than not a tokkuri has a bulbous body that forms a tapered narrow neck as one’s eye moves up from the center of the object. Nevertheless, they come in a variety of different shapes.

Heated sake is generally warmed by […]

Namikawa and Kyoto Yakimono Vessels Fetch Large Prices at Christie’s

The Namikawa Workshop is renowned for its unique pieces, and that might be why a certain yakimono vessel went for so much when it was auctioned at Christie’s in May 2013. A certain Namikawa cloisonne vase with its cover was estimated to sell for somewhere around £1,000 – £1,200. Nevertheless, when all was said […]

Christie’s Cloisonne Yakimono Pieces were stars of the Japanese Aesthetic Showing

Christie’s auction of products related to what they termed the Japanese Aesthetic picked up a great deal of attention in the world of fine art. What really sets these pieces apart from most other yakimono designs that collectors of Japanese art would come across is their prominent use of cloisonne techniques. Cloisonne refers to […]

Sotheby’s is Starting to Really Attract Imari Yakimono Collectors

Those following Sotheby’s myriad art auctions might have noticed when a certain imari yakimono vase was sold in September 2012. The piece was from the early 18th century, and sold for £3,250 when you factor in the buyer’s premium. Collectors noticed several interesting details about this particular item.

The domed cover is certainly exquisite. Astute […]

Recent Sotheby’s Ceramics Auctions bring out the Late Brooke Astor’s Yakimono Pieces

One of the most impressive recent auctions of Japanese ceramic yakimono art occurred in September 2012. The New York branch of Sotheby’s hosted a huge auction catalog that sold much of Brooke Astor’s estate. The socialite was quite an art collector, and she’s famous for her interest in paintings of dogs.

That might make one […]

Macro Crystallization Part III: Going Back in Time to Look at Ceramics

Macro crystalline glazes are most likely not a Japanese invention. They first started to appear on the scene in Europe during the 1850s. They pose some of the most difficult challenges that a potter could face. This challenge might be why they’ve caught on among so many Japanese yakimono artists.

Combining porcelain and crystal glazes […]

Exploring Oribe Yakimono Ware Part III: Collectors and Kuro Oribe

Oribe yaki is still extremely popular today, and most people consider it to be a classic type of Japanese art. People don’t really find much other art in other countries that has been influenced by the Oribe movement. That makes it rather unique in the world.

Collectors consider formulaic brown on green glazing patterns to […]

Exploring Oribe Yakimono Ware Part II: Historical Modernism

While the phrase historical modernism might sound pretty ridiculous, it actually makes a lot of sense when one considers Oribe Yaki. Furuta Shigenari was quite an innovator when he created the first yakimono pieces in his own unique style. Many of these pieces look quite modern by today’s standards.

Oribe himself was never actually a […]

Macro Crystallization Part II: Advances in Cements Made Better Ceramics

Artists with a hardcore interest in chemistry have picked apart the macro crystallization process, and come up with a number of various chemical formula designed to help artists produce the best pieces possible. That being said, most of these studies took place outside of Japan. That means that they weren’t nearly as focused on […]

Macro Crystallization Continues to Change Ceramic Art in the 21st Century

Macro crystallization in ceramic art is an interesting topic. It’s a field of study that many artists are still engaged in to this day. While glazing chemistries might be stable there is still a great deal we don’t know about crystalline patterns.

For a long time, it was believed that an oxidation atmosphere was necessary […]

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