After studying ceramics at the Gifu Prefecture Technical School - and briefly with with Kato Kozo - Shigemasa Higashida dedicated his career to exploring the potential of Mino wares: shino, kiseto, kuro-oribe, and of course oribe. His inventive take on oribe in particular, with angular forms and flowing green glaze, has brought Higashida the most recognition.

This tokkuri flask almost resembles two forms melded into one. The lower two-thirds appears roughly turned but then carved and “torn” to reveal the typical textures of Mino’s mogusa clay. The upper third emerges delicately thrown and finished, where a thin coating of oribe runs a light green.

The rough carving not only provides ledges and angles for the deep green glaze to pool and flow, but these impressions also give a satisfying grasp. The fine spout is made for pouring; the body is meant to be held. Higashida’s tokkuri masterfully captures the sculptural essence of oribe while still managing to convey its function.

Comes with the signed, stamped, and titled wood box.