Hideki Yanashita is known for his modern takes on tradition raku wares. He began potting in the Iga tradition in the 1990’s, but upon meeting the acclaimed artist Sugimoto Sadamitsu, Yanashita turned to raku under Sadamitsu’s mentorship. The relationship between raku, tea, and Zen is fundamental, and Yanashita’s practice has grown to reflect this dialogue.

Taking its form from Honami Koetsu’s classic “Fuji-san” raku tea bowl, Yanashita fashioned this sake cup in miniature form. But instead of the classic white glaze of Koetsu’s Yanashita chose a red glazing. Like many of his raku ware ceramics, Yanashita follows in a long tradition of producing “Imayaki” or tributes to the canonical works of 16th and 17th century Japan.   

Raku ware is often considered a natively “Japanese” ceramic tradition. After many years of importing and copying Chinese and Korean wares, the early Japanese tea masters chose the relatively quick and low-tech method of raku as most appropriate to the new spirit of tea. Aside from continuing to practice many other inspired wares, it is raku where Yanashita has chosen to seriously dedicate his practice.   

New from the artist’s studio. Comes with the signed, stamped, and titled wood box, stamped wrapping cloth, and CV.