Ceramic vase, Toshio Sakamoto (坂本利夫, born 1952)

This globe-shaped vase, narrowing at the opening, presents a striking contrast between a dark, matte black background and wide, undulating ribbons with a silvery sheen. The abstract, continuous decoration unfolds around the body like a rhythmic line, creating a highly graphic presence.

The underside is signed in relief with the artist's seal. The vase is preserved in its original tomobako, which is also signed.

Biography

Toshio Sakamoto is a ceramicist associated with the Mashiko ceramics school. Japanese records indicate he was born in 1952 in Hachiōji (Tokyo), trained in Mashiko from 1980 onwards, and established his own studio in 1990. His work has been featured in several Japanese exhibitions, including the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (1995), and the Traditional Craft New Works Exhibition (1997). He is listed as a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. He is a master of the zōgan (inlay) technique, which is frequently featured in his work.

Dimensions

Height approx. 24 cm; diameter approx. 20.8 cm.