Large Tobe ceramic vase by Takenishi Tatsuto (竹西辰人), signed underneath and accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako.

The tall, slightly flared form stands on a narrowed foot. The wall is worked with deep vertical striations, giving the surface an almost textile presence. Broad passages of reddish brown, violet grey and black move diagonally across the body of the vase. The dark interior preserves the circular traces of throwing. The overall impression is restrained, but the ceramic skin is highly constructed, held between the vertical rhythm of the incisions and the enveloping movement of colour.

Takenishi Tatsuto comes from Tobe, in Ehime Prefecture, one of Japan’s historic ceramic centres. His workshop, Joshua Koubou, belongs to the tradition of Tobe-yaki, known for white porcelain and cobalt-blue decoration, while pursuing more personal directions. The biographical leaflet accompanying this piece states that he was born on 29 May 1964, studied design at Matsuyama Minami High School, and entered the family ceramic practice in Tobe in 1985. Joshua Koubou’s own page records that he succeeded his father’s workshop, opened Joshua Koubou in 2001, and in 2012 developed “Joshua Blue”, a deep blue gradation now associated with his work.

This vase is not part of the usual white-and-blue production associated with Tobe. It shows instead a search for material density, chromatic depth and relief. The presence of the signed tomobako strengthens its interest for a collection of modern Japanese ceramics.

Condition: good condition. Signed underneath and accompanied by its original signed tomobako.

Dimensions: height 38.5 cm; mouth diameter approximately 15.5 cm; maximum width approximately 16 cm; foot diameter approximately 7.5 cm.