In 1975, Yasuo Yamato won First Prize at the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition and was later a regular member of the Japan Crafts Association. His works include ceramic wall installations at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts and on the third floor of Yamaguchi City Hall. In 1982, one of his ceramic boxes was added to the collection of the Greene Brand Museum of Art in Ohio, USA.

Yamato was certified as a designated intangible cultural heritage holder of Yamaguchi Prefecture for Hagiyaki in 1988. He also held various positions within the Japan Crafts Association, including executive director of the Yamaguchi branch. In 1993, one of his ceramic vessels was acquired by the British Museum. He also contributed to major projects such as the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Memorial in 1995.

This stoneware vase by Yasuo Yamato features a flat, almost circular shape, creating the impression of juxtaposed discs. The surface of the vase is textured, revealing irregularities and natural patterns that subtly capture and reflect light. The warm, earthy colors and contrasting shades vary from earthy red to pale green-gray to ochre tones, evoking natural landscapes.

This vase, reproduced in the book dedicated to him, is another fine example of Yamato Yasuo's mastery of manipulating form and surface to create pieces that are both simple and deeply expressive, and which demonstrate the interaction between artist, material and fire.

36 x 37 x 11.5cm approximately

Box/tomobako