Ceramic vase by Mizuno Sokaku (1912–1997)

A ceramic vase with a deliberately straight and compact shape, like a hewn block. The surface is worked in a range of deep browns, with darker and lighter passages, alternating between matte and glossy areas. Fine irregularities and micro-cavities catch the light and give a strong sense of texture, without aiming for decorative effect.

Mizuno Sokaku was born in Seto in 1912 and became a prominent figure in the modern ceramics scene of that region. He is particularly associated with the nericomi technique and was named the master of this technique by the city of Seto in 1987. His career is marked by numerous selections and presentations in exhibitions throughout Japan, as well as awards received at ceramics fairs and competitions. Japanese biographical sources indicate that works by Mizuno Sokaku are held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the Düsseldorf Ceramics Museum.

Dimensions

Approximately 23.3 × 11.2 × 7.5 cm (H × W × D).